visit oak alley plantation

OAK ALLEY PLANTATION

Tour a historic plantation near new orleans, louisiana.

Open Daily: 8:30 am-5:00 pm. Guided “Big House” tours are offered daily from 9:00 am-4:30pm. Times are assigned when tickets are purchased.

Select your Ticket Type

• Most Popular!
• 9am-4:30pm daily

Site with “Big House” Exhibit

This admission includes access to the historic site and ALL exhibits including the “Big House” exhibit. Please allow 2 hours for exploring including reserved visit of the “Big House”.  All guests must purchase admission for entry to the historic site.

Site without “Big House” Exhibit

This admission includes access to the historic site and exhibits excluding the “Big House” exhibit. Please allow 2 hours for exploring.  This admission does not grant access to the “Big House” exhibit. All guests must purchase admission for entry to the historic site.

Plan your Visit to Oak Alley Plantation

Admissions & hours.

Learn More »

Plantation Overview

Maps & transportation, dine. sleep. explore., over 200 years of history.

A sugar plantation; an abandoned investment property; a cattle ranch; a landscape of defiance in the face of the Army Corps of Engineers–Oak Alley has been many things in its over 200 years of history. Today it is a historic site, dedicated to preserving and interpreting each chapter of this plantation’s memory.

Open to the public since 1976, our institutional values include complete respect for the National Landmark with which we have been entrusted. This not only is evident in our dedication to its preservation and maintenance but in our complete adherence to narrative integrity, in deference to this iconic historic site whose past includes serving as a place of enslavement even as it was celebrated for its stunning landscape.

Get Involved and Support Oak Alley

Photography contest, support the foundation, top-rated historic attraction in vacherie, louisiana.

I really enjoyed my visit to the Oak Alley Plantation. Decided to stop by on my way to New Orleans, which I'm so glad I did. The architecture and the plantation grounds are just breathtaking with so much beauty that you would have to just see to believe. The tour was very informative and quite interesting. Very highly recommended tourist attraction!

This is such a beautiful, informative and cultural place to visit. Not only is everything about the grounds and main house befuddled to look at, you learn so much about the history of the families, area, state, slavery, progression and even descents from the main family as well as the slaves and their freedom.

Very cool place to visit. The tour was shorter than expected but the history shared was great. We toured the enslaved people’s exhibit and thy did an excellent job of relaying the information. Very much worth the drive from New Orleans.

Lovely grounds! We only had a chance to tour the grounds this time before heading home, but so worth it! We plan to go back this fall and tour the main house. We got some stunning photos! The trees are so old! Just unbelievable! Sooo much rich history here and can't imagine what these trees have seen in their lives.

We had an amazing experience visiting the Oak Alley plantation. Both the outside and the house tours were really well done, well explained, and overall well organized. The guides on site were very open to some questions, even the painful ones.

Oak Alley Plantation is an amazing place to visit. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and entertaining. The home tour was fascinating. After the tour we walked around the grounds. Great information on slave quarters. Our entire family, including our teenage sons, enjoyed it. Thank you for a wonderful time.

• Complimentary Planning Assistance
• Destination Wedding Guide Digital Copy
• Elopement Packages
• Marriage License & Legal Essentials
• Welcome Bag Ideas
• Second Lines
• The History of Wedding Umbrellas and More in New Orleans
• Wedding Cake Pulls
• Destination Wedding Guide Printed Copy
• Wedding Inspiration
• Wedding and Event Planners
• Photographers & Videographers
• Transportation
• Beauty, Hair & Makeup
• Spas, Health & Wellness
• Cakes & Bakeries
• Entertainment
• Engagement Photos in New Orleans
• Bridal Shower & Brunch
• Joint Bachelor/ Bachelorette Parties
• Bachelor Parties
• The Ultimate New Orleans Bachelorette Party Guide
• Honeymooning
• LGBTQ Bachelor / Bachelorette Party Itinerary
• Walkable Downtown
• Corporate Group Incentive
• LGBTQ New Orleans
• Convention Center
• Caesars Superdome
• Smoothie King Center
• Special Events Venues
• Hotels with Meeting Space
• Venue Search
• Custom Maps
• Services Directory
• Convention Services Request
• Exhibitor Services Request
• Custom Post Cards & Save the Date
• New Orleans Print Materials Request
• Visitor Guide Request
• Corporate Social Responsibility & Donations
• Emergency Planning
• Meeting Planner Guide
• Transportation Directory
• Transportation & Getting Around
• Promotional Videos & Images
• Stats and facts
• Free Things To Do
• Talk like a New Orleanian
• Local Outreach
• Social Media Resources
• Marketing e-Templates & Ads
• Convention Calendar
• Testimonials
• Submit Your Request for Proposal (RFP)
• Availability Grid
• Coupons Deals
• Group Transportation
• Assistance Request
• Bulk Brochure Request
• Photos & Videos
• Microsite Request
• Itineraries
• Performance Venues
• Motorcoach/Group Transportation
• Educational Opportunities
• Student Itineraries
• voluntourism
• Class Reunions
• Venue & Services
• Hotel Assistance
• Promote Your Reunion
• Family Reunions
• Military Reunions
• Regulations and Maps
• Motorcoach Parking
• Tax Free Shopping
• International Travel Tips
• Consulates in New Orleans
• Maps & Transportation
• Advisor VIP Pass
• Brochure Request
• Photos/Videos
• Cruise Coupons
• Pre-Post Packages
• General Coupons
• Voluntourism
• Group Travel Planner Guide
• Travel Advisor Certification
• International Groups
• Group Travel
• Cruise Lines
• Meet the Team
• Did You Know | New Orleans Facts
• Member Benefits
• Maximize Your Membership
• Application NOT USED
• Membership Policies
• Member Directory
• Member Events
• Member Anniversaries
• New Members
• Member Login
• Media Assistance Request
• What's New in New Orleans
• New Orleans Awards & Accolades
• Image Library
• B-roll Assets
• New Orleans & Company Press Releases
• Hospitality Industry Press Releases
• Image / Video Request
• Communications & PR Contacts

• New Orleans Festivals And Events
• French Quarter
• A Guide to New Orleans Nightlife
• Attractions
• Cultural Arts
• Mystical/Haunted New Orleans
• Family-Friendly Guide to New Orleans
• Multicultural
• Recreation & Outdoors
• Architecture
• Find Restaurants
• Where to Eat
• Traditional Foods
• Top Chefs In New Orleans
• Restaurant Deals
• Love To Eat Video Series
• Find a Place to Drink
• Where to Drink
• Classic New Orleans Cocktails
• Book a New Orleans Hotel
• Hotel Directory
• Bed And Breakfasts: Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Saint Charles Avenue Hotels
• Luxury Hotels
• Garden District Hotels
• French Quarter Hotels and Lodging
• Downtown/Central Business District Hotels and Lodging
• Bourbon Street Hotels
• Green Hotels
• Bourbon Street Balcony Hotels - New Orleans & Company
• Haunted Hotels in New Orleans
• Pet-Friendly Hotels
• Historic Hotels
• Upcoming Events
• Ultimate New Orleans Event Calendar
• New Orleans LIVE Music Calendar
• Submit an Event
• Major Events and Festivals in New Orleans
• New Orleans Neighborhood Guide
• Streets to Visit
• Request a Guide
• Deals & Coupons
• Essential New Orleans Three-Day Itinerary
• Bleisure Itinerary
• Monthly Newsletter
• Insider's Blog
• Virtual Tour
• Accessibility
• New Orleans Artist Database
• LOVENOLA.TV 24/7 Broadcast

Oak Alley Plantation

• 3645 Hwy. 18, Great River Road, Vacherie, LA 70090 ( Directions ) | P: (225) 265-2151 | F: (225) 265-7035
• 3645 Hwy. 18, Great River Road, Vacherie, LA 70090 ( Directions ) P: (225) 265-2151 F: (225) 265-7035
• 3645 Hwy. 18, Great River Road Vacherie, LA 70090 ( Directions ) P: (225) 265-2151 F: (225) 265-7035
• Neighborhood: Outside Metro Area
• Plantations
• Historic Landmark

Accommodations

• Outdoor Area

From its beginnings over 200 years ago, Oak Alley was just a land claim on a map. Today, Oak Alley is a National Historic Landmark, dedicated to preserving and interpreting the history its inhabitants left behind. With an emphasis on its time as a sugar plantation, visitors are invited to walk under its iconic alley, explore its exhibits: Slavery at Oak Alley, the ‘Big House’, Sugarcane Theater, People of Oak Alley and the Blacksmith Shop and leave with a better understanding of this plantation’s complex history.

Xplorit Virtual Tour

Discover Oak Alley Plantation with one of the most comprehensive, completely immersive and interactive virtual experiences in the world.

• Main Gallery

• Convention Center:
• SuperDome/Arena:
• French Quarter:
• Things to Do
• Trip Planning Tools
• Meeting Planners
• Travel Professionals
• Press and Media
• Privacy Policy
• Site Search
• Doing Business in New Orleans
• About NewOrleans.com
• Report Fraud
• Accessibility Options

Sign up for special tips, offers, and info about all the latest happenings around NOLA with our monthly Insider’s Guide, delivered right to your inbox.

UponArriving

Oak Alley Plantation Review: Louisiana’s Most Iconic Plantation

Louisiana boasts numerous plantations, with one of the most iconic being Oak Alley Plantation, situated near New Orleans. Renowned for its picturesque setting, Oak Alley also harbors a somber history tied to the institution of slavery.

Below, I’ll give you all the details needed for planning your visit, including insights gained from my own experience at the plantation and the profound lessons learned about its complex past.

Table of Contents

Oak Alley Plantation takeaways

• Most famous plantation in Louisiana located one hour from New Orleans via car
• Known for its picturesque alley of Southern Live Oak trees, featured in many films and TV shows
• Visitors can tour the “Big House” plantation mansion built in the 1830s, as well as the surrounding gardens and grounds, even venturing into re-created slave quarters
• Visitors can arrive directly to the plantation or book a tour with transportation from their hotel
• Tour can be combined with a swamp tour or other adventures
• Visits require approximately two hours though you can wander around the grounds as long as you’d like

What is Oak Alley Plantation?

Oak Alley Plantation is a historic site located in Vacherie, Louisiana, which is about an hour driving time from New Orleans.

It’s renowned for its stunning antebellum architecture and lush surroundings and many appearances in film and other media. The centerpiece of the plantation is its iconic alley of 300-year-old oak trees, forming a picturesque canopy leading to the main house.

Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved mansion, which offers insights into the area’s rich history, including its ties to slavery and sugar cane cultivation.

Today, Oak Alley Plantation serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of the American South’s past and a popular destination for tourists seeking to immerse themselves in its timeless charm.

Planning your visit to Oak Alley Plantation

If you want to book a visit to Oak Alley Plantation, I would highly suggest to make reservations as some slots do sell out . In fact, we visited on the weekend and the day before I noticed that several of the time slots were completely sold out. So book ahead if possible.

Visitors to Oak Alley Plantation have the option to choose between two types of tours: the Site with the “Big House” Exhibit ($30) or the Site without it ($27).

With the price difference being minimal, I highly recommend opting for the “Big House” Exhibit tour, which includes a detailed exploration of the mansion on the plantation.

Alternatively, if you choose the other tour, you’ll still have the opportunity to tour the plantation and explore fascinating facilities such as the slave quarters. Either way, your experience promises to be both educational and captivating. Click here to purchase tickets.

If you don’t want to drive to the plantation yourself you can always book a tour that includes transportation. Some of these tours also are packaged with other experiences like swamp tours. There are quite a few tour companies to choose from. We used Cajun Encounters for a swamp tour and they were great for what it’s worth.

Just keep in mind that if you do a package tour you may not be able to spend as much time at the plantation as you would like.

Our experience visiting Oak Alley Plantation

Once you arrive, you will want to head to the ticket booth to get your tickets and/or check in for your tour. They issue you tickets that you have to relinquish but you can always come back for souvenir tickets if you’d like.

In the event you need to use the bathroom there is a bathroom adjacent to the ticket booth area that you can utilize as soon as you enter. (There is also another bathroom near the east garden next to the sugarcane video exhibit if you need to go later on.)

If you get thirsty there is a stand at the Big House where you can purchase water bottles and other drinks including the mint julep (Kentucky Derby drink) which comes both in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions.

We arrived at about 1:45 PM for a 2:15 PM tour.

We asked if we could be put on the earlier 2PM tour but it was completely sold out so it was not possible. So to kill some time we wandered around and checked out the infamous Oak Alley (known as “The Allée”).

This is the most picturesque portion of the plantation and it consists of a long row of 28 live oak trees ( Quercus virginiana ) that runs from the mansion all the way to near the Mississippi River.

Some of the trees are pretty massive with trunks as large as 30 feet in circumference and they are believed to be around 300 years old. They are a sight to behold.

You could see the alley from the outside of the plantation as there is a levee on the banks of the Mississippi River that could give you a view of this but the great thing about doing a tour is you get to walk through this stunning canopy of trees.

You’ll likely recall the scenery from different movies like Interview with a Vampire. It’s been featured in pop culture more times than I can count.

Did you know that the Oak Alley plantation is haunted? Legends and ghost stories abound, with visitors and staff reporting eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena throughout the historic property.

After strolling up and down the alley and checking out the views it was time to show up for the tour of the mansion. It’s a beautiful structure which showcases impressive Greek Revival architecture and a colonnade of 28 Doric columns (that match the 28 oak trees in the alley).

Unfortunately, no photos are allowed inside the mansion.

Embarking on the tour, you’re guided through various rooms like the elegant dining area before ascending to the upper floors, catching glimpses of some rooms restricted to doorway viewing.

Note: If anyone in your group has difficulty climbing stairs, it’s important to inform your tour guide so they can accommodate your needs accordingly as the second floor portion of the visit is available on iPads.

Inside, intriguing artifacts offer insights into life for both the enslaved and the plantation owners, enriching your understanding of the house’s history. Exploring, you’ll discover fascinating relics and learn about antiquated contraptions used in daily antebellum life.

Exiting onto the balcony, you’re treated to sweeping views of the sprawling plantation grounds.

Despite the rapid pace of tours, our knowledgeable guide ensured an enjoyable experience.

I do wish they would’ve gone into some of the details about the historic agricultural innovation of grafting pecan trees that was performed here in 1846 by Antoine, an enslaved gardener.

He created a distinct pecan variety characterized by its exceptionally thin shell, which could be easily broken by one’s bare hand. It’s a pretty interesting story but I didn’t hear it come up during our tour.

Anyway, after we finished up the tour of the mansion we made our way to the other grounds on the plantation.

On one side is the picturesque West Garden, which shares the history and horticulture of Louisiana’s plantation gardens.

On the other side lies the East Garden, where we encountered an illuminating exhibit on sugarcane plantations. Delving into the intricacies of the manufacturing process, we gained insights into the various stages involved, from cultivation to refinement.

It was great to witness the journey of sugarcane from field to table, offering a deeper appreciation for the plantation’s historical significance.

Continuing our journey, we proceeded to the slavery exhibit, where a series of reconstructed slave quarters awaited exploration. Some of these quarters were accessible, allowing us to step inside and gain a visceral understanding of the living conditions endured by enslaved individuals.

It was a poignant and sobering experience, shedding light on the harsh realities of plantation life and deepening our empathy for those who suffered.

Upon entering, visitors encounter a collection of artifacts, ranging from tools utilized in the fields to various restraint devices used on the enslaved population.

These tangible remnants offer insights into the daily lives and struggles of those who lived and worked at Oak Alley Plantation.

With an average enslaved population of 110 to 120 individuals, plantation Oak Alley Plantation had both “field slaves” and “house slaves.”

Field slaves undertook arduous tasks such as tending to the expansive cane fields, maintenance work, and caring for animals. Enduring demanding 18-hour shifts during harvest season, they exemplified resilience and fortitude amidst challenging circumstances.

Oak Alley also employed an excessive number of “house slaves,” some as young as 12, who served within the mansion, performing tasks like cooking, cleaning, and childcare.

Referred to as “domestiques,” their abundance served as a conspicuous display of the owner’s wealth and social standing.

Essentially, in the context of plantation society, having fewer slaves engaged in field labor and a larger number serving directly within the mansion was a clear indicator of one’s wealth and elevated social status.

Various interpretive panels thoughtfully guide visitors through this complex history, offering insights into the lives of the enslaved individuals who once inhabited Oak Alley Plantation.

Additionally, a small grove of sugar canes provides a tangible glimpse into the crops that played a central role in shaping this era.

As you navigate through these exhibits, it’s inevitable to confront the somber reality of this dark chapter in human history, evoking a mix of emotions as you contemplate the experiences of those who lived and labored within these grounds.

Eventually, we had to head out to pick up a friend at the airport so we didn’t see everything the plantation head to offer. There are a few other structures to check out like the The Blacksmith Shop, Bachelor housing, and the Stewart family graveyard.

Make sure that you grab a map whenever you arrive and you will be able to see all of the different sites to visit. Also, while the plantation grounds are pretty big there are sign posts directing you where to go so it’s relatively easy to navigate.

By the way if you were looking for a more immersive experience consider visiting the Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn .

There are cottages you can stay in overnight and there’s also a restaurant serving Southern cuisine like dishes like Crawfish Étouffée over Fried Catfish, Shrimp & Okra Gumbo and the Vacherie Burger. (This is also where you can find the Oak Alley Gift Shop.)

Other Louisiana plantations worth visiting

Oak Alley Plantation is just one of the captivating historic estates nestled near New Orleans, offering a glimpse into the antebellum era.

Just next door is the Felicity Plantation, featured in The Skeleton Key (2005) and 12 Years a Slave (2013).

Among the other notable plantations worth exploring is Laura Plantation , renowned for its Creole heritage and captivating guided tours led by knowledgeable interpreters.

Another must-visit is the Whitney Plantation , dedicated to preserving the stories and experiences of enslaved individuals, providing a poignant and educational perspective on plantation life.

Additionally, St. Joseph Plantation offers an immersive journey through time with its well-preserved main house and informative exhibits.

My visit to Oak Alley Plantation was truly memorable and thought-provoking. The experience evoked a range of emotions, from marveling at its rich history and exquisite architecture to grappling with the sobering realities of slavery.

Despite the complexities of its past, I found the visit to be profoundly worthwhile. It provided a nuanced understanding of the plantation’s significance and left me with a deeper appreciation for the resilience of those who lived and labored there.

Daniel Gillaspia is the Founder of UponArriving.com and the credit card app, WalletFlo . He is a former attorney turned travel expert covering destinations along with TSA, airline, and hotel policies. Since 2014, his content has been featured in publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, and CNBC. Read my bio .

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Privacy Overview

Book Your Stay Today

Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn

Book Your Event Today

Upcoming Event:

Tickets now on sale for the Two Scotts’ Acoustic Show, Saturday, February 10, 2024. Buy your tickets now before they sell out. Dinner buffet included, cash bar available. Call us today at 225.265.2151.

Mardi Gras Hours

CLOSED TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2024

Restaurant Open Daily 8:30am – 3:00 pm

Gift Shop Open Daily 9:00 am- 5:00 pm

Cafe Open Daily 9:00 am- 5:00 pm

Experience a combination of local culture, flavorful cuisine, and Southern hospitality at Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn .

Established in 1976, we’ve been serving the local community and welcoming visitors worldwide by offering a beautiful setting for comfort and relaxation. Visit and book a stay at Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn for a unique experience where history blends beautifully with the comforts of today.  

Explore Oak Alley Plantation & All It Offers

Explore Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn

Spend the Night

Southern hospitality starts here at our cozy cottages nestled on the grounds of Oak Alley Plantation . Relax in one of our charming cottages designed to provide a comfortable stay with modern conveniences and a full country breakfast included in your stay. Book a reservation today and explore all we offer at Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn.

Dine In at Our Restaurant

Come and experience the amazing cuisine of the area, recipes cultivated over time using traditions of both Cajuns and Creoles alike. Open daily for breakfast & lunch, Oak Alley Restaurant offers a true dining experience with mouthwatering dishes like Crawfish Étouffée over Fried Catfish, Shrimp & Okra Gumbo and a local favorite, the Vacherie Burger.

Host an Event

Whether you’re planning a wedding, family reunion, or corporate event, Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn features top-notch services, catering, and scenery for an unforgettable event. Talk to our Sales Manager for day or evening events to book the perfect location for your event.

Testimonials

Acclaim for Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn

Friendly service, nice atmosphere and great food

After your tour of the plantation come eat here. Friendly service, nice atmosphere and great food. We started off with 2 appetizers, the seafood su gratin and spinach artichoke dip. Both were delicious but the seafood [au] gratin was my favorite. Next we had the Cajun medley that came with [etouffee], gumbo and andouille sausage. It was all delicious and a great option if you want to try a little bit if everything. We finished with the chocolate pecan pie, which was rich but delicious.

– Daniel A.

We decided to shop and then have a snack after our plantation tour. The fried green tomatoes topped with crawfish tails and sauce was over the top with flavor. The mint tea was not overly sweet and so refreshing. Light batter but seasoned very well. The waitress was lovely

– Millie H. 

highlight of our New Orleans trip

We spent a night here, and it was the highlight of our New Orleans trip. We were treated like visiting royalty instead of just guests. Full menu breakfast comes with it, and then we were there for an early tour of the house before crowds started to arrive. At night, you have full access to wander the grounds, which was a little spooky, but very relaxing and a time for quiet, private strolling. The luxury cabins (we stayed in #8) are fantastic. We ordered supper from the restaurant, and it was waiting for us, at no extra charge, in our cabin. That was a perfect move, as it let us arrive late and not have to rush to eat or get there. Definitely recommend a stay here.

– Lucy

I 100% suggest it!!!

I absolutely LOVED this place!!! From the adorable cottage (we stayed in #4 which is about a century old) to the beautiful grounds we loved it all! We stayed here after a cruise and honestly this was better then the cruise! You get 24hr access to the ground so you can go “ghost hunting” after dark. We did not find any ghosts but an adorable cat followed us around the entire time! The breakfast in the morning was very good! We spent the next day just hanging around the grounds enjoying the picnic tables and loving the beautiful weather we had. We stayed here until we had to get to the airport. It was extremely comfortable and enjoyable. I also loved learning about the slaves. They got into their lives and really brought them to life in the self guided tour. If you get the chance to stay here I 100% suggest it!!!

– Christine K.

About Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn

Established in 1976, Oak Alley Plantation, Restaurant & Inn is nestled in the heart of Louisiana’s River Region, between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. Surrounded by history, this establishment offers guests a unique blend of Southern culture, culinary experiences, and relaxing lodgings. Visit us today and learn more about Oak Alley Plantation.

Newsletter Sign Up

Plan your visit to oak alley plantation restaurant & inn.

Come experience the charm and comfort of our cottages, savor the delicious Southern cuisine at our restaurant, and immerse yourself in the culture and traditions that have shaped the River Region.

At Oak Alley Plantation, we’re not just about history; we’re about creating timeless memories. We invite you to become a part of our story and create another memory in yours.

Start typing and press enter to search

Detailed Oak Alley Plantation Guide: Exhibits, Tours & More

A s someone who enjoys learning about history while traveling — from war history to cultural history — I knew I would love spending a weekend in New Orleans . New Orleans is steeped in interesting history and culture, and one of the places you can learn more about the city’s history, though sobering, is at one of the plantations along the Mississippi River. 

There are several plantations you can visit just outside New Orleans, including Laura Plantation and Whitney Plantation. However, if you only have time to visit one plantation in New Orleans, I highly recommend paying a visit to Oak Alley Plantation. 

If you want to visit Oak Alley Plantation during your trip to New Orleans, keep reading to learn more about this historic plantation — including its history, exhibits, how to get there, popular tours, and more! 

Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning that I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps me keep the content on my website free for you to enjoy!

What Is the History of Oak Alley Plantation?  

Oak Alley Plantation is a public nonprofit organization and a National Historic Landmark with 200+ years of history that has been open to the public since 1976.  

The property of Oak Alley Plantation was purchased in 1820, and the mansion was built in 1836 by Jacques and Celina Roman. The Roman Family owned and operated Oak Alley Plantation for several decades. Oak Alley Plantation operated primarily as a sugarcane plantation in the 1800s, which is what you’ll learn about during your time at Oak Alley Plantation. 

However, after a virus wiped out the sugarcane crops in the early 1900s, the property was turned into a cattle ranch by Andrew and Josephine Armstrong — the couple responsible for the restoration of the “Big House” and the creation of Oak Alley Foundation. 

You can learn more about the history of Oak Alley Plantation on the foundation’s website — but don’t worry. You will learn plenty during your tour of the plantation. 

What Is the Best Way to Get to Oak Alley Plantation?  

Oak Alley Plantation is in Vacherie, Louisiana , which is a one-hour drive west of Downtown New Orleans. If you have a car, driving to Oak Alley Plantation is the easiest way to get there. However, if you don’t have a car, that doesn’t mean you can’t visit Oak Alley Plantaiton. 

Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare services are unreliable in Vacherie and the countryside, so even if you can snag a ride from New Orleans, we don’t recommend getting to Oak Alley Plantation via rideshare. Instead, we recommend booking a tour that includes round-trip transportation to and from New Orleans.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit Oak Alley Plantation?  

The cost of visiting Oak Alley Plantation depends on whether you book a tour or drive yourself. Guided tours generally run anywhere from $70–$150 per person , depending on what else is included, from hotel pickup to airboat tours (more on this in the tours section below). 

If you drive yourself to Oak Alley Plantation, you can purchase tickets directly from the foundation’s website ahead of time, or at the ticket booth upon arrival. There are two ticket options — Historic Site without “Big House” Exhibit ( $25.01 for adults and $7.41 for children) and Historic Site with “Big House” Exhibit ( $27.79 for adults and $9.27 for children). There are additional discounts for seniors and military. Children under the age of five are free. 

It’s definitely worth paying a few extra dollars for the “Big House” Exhibit. You’ll be allowed access inside the house on an informative tour led by a knowledgeable staff member, and you’ll get to learn a lot about the families who have lived on the property. Tours are held every 30 minutes from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. 

Tip: The time you choose when purchasing your tickets is the time you should be ready for your “Big House” Tour — not the time to arrive at the property. Plan to arrive at Oak Alley Plantation at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time in case you run into any delays, so you don’t miss your tour. So, if you choose an 11 AM ticket, plan to leave New Orleans no later than 9:30 AM (if traffic conditions are normal — check Google Maps ahead of time!). 

How Long Does It Take to Visit Oak Alley Plantation?  

Oak Alley Plantation is open daily from 8:30 AM – 5 PM. The property is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Mardi Gras (of course — you are basically in New Orleans, after all). All the exhibits stay open until 5 PM, when the property closes. 

We recommend spending 2–3 hours at Oak Alley Plantation if you want to see all the exhibits (including the Big House). Remember, you’ll want to factor in an hour’s drive to and from New Orleans, so the entire excursion should be about a half-day endeavor — anywhere from 4–5 hours. 

Exhibits at Oak Alley Plantation  

Now that you know more about the logistics of visiting Oak Alley Plantation, here is an overview of the notable exhibits you can see at the property: 

Slavery at Oak Alley Exhibit  

Oak Alley Plantation has an entire exhibit devoted to the 220 people who were enslaved at the plantation. This exhibit was so informative and took a deep dive into slavery as a whole, slavery at Oak Alley, and the individual lives of enslaved people who lived on the property, like Pognon, the seamstress and hairdresser, and Zephyr, the only slave freed by Jacques Roman. 

Slavery at Oak Alley explains the difference between “house slaves” and “field slaves,” the day-to-day life of a slave, and what life looked like for enslaved people after emancipation. Oak Alley also has a database where you can learn more about the those who were enslaved at the plantation. 

It’s difficult to accept that slavery actually happened, and it can feel more comfortable to ignore the topic altogether. However, learning about slavery is important to understanding the full picture of our country’s history — even the terrible parts. I appreciated that Oak Alley Plantation had put so much time and research into this exhibit — it’s informative but doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of slavery. It also highlights the individual lives of people who lived on the property — their names, stories, origins, and relationships.

Big House Exhibit  

The “Big House” is the house on Oak Alley Plantation where the family lived — it gets its name from being larger than the other structures on the property. 

The Big House is the only exhibit at Oak Alley that requires an extra fee to visit, however, it does include a 30-minute guided tour of the first and second floors of the home. If you’re going to make the trip to Oak Alley Plantation, it is worth the additional cost for this tour. You’ll be able to see how the home was decorated during different time periods, learn more about the families who lived inside the home, see original furniture, décor, and artefacts, and more. We were also surprised to learn that several movies and video games had been filmed here! 

Photos are not permitted inside the home, but you can take photos of the famous “oak alley” from the balcony. You can also take photos of the exterior of the home. 

Tip: Right after the tour, you’ll exit on the “back” of the home. There is a cart here selling drinks — including bourbon lemonade, mint juleps, and more! I recommend grabbing a drink to keep yourself cool while exploring the rest of the property. Aside from the Big House, the rest of the exhibits are outside and/or inside with no air conditioning. 

Oak Alley  

Remember the famous alleyway of oak trees you just saw during your tour from the balcony? 

I recommend swinging around to take a photo here after the tour. You don’t drive through the trees when entering Oak Alley (this is different than Boone Hall Plantation, one of the best day trips from Charleston and another informative plantation tour) — so you need to make an effort to see the alleyway during your time on the property. After all — it is the property’s namesake! 

East & West Gardens  

Oak Alley Plantation has two gardens — the “East Gardens” on the east side of the home, and the “West Gardens” on the west side of the home. 

The West Garden is modeled after how the garden would have looked from 1840–1860, when Jacques and Celina Roman lived on the property, and The East Garden is modeled after how the garden would have looked in the 1900s, when Josephine Stewart owned the property. Both are beautiful and worth visiting during your time on the property, but the hedges, azaleas, and roses in The East Garden were my favorite. The West Garden is pictured below.

Sugarcane Theater  

After learning that sugarcane was the primary crop grown at Oak Alley Plantation, I became immediately interested (and curious) about how sugarcane becomes sugar. Fortunately, there is a whole exhibit at Oak Alley Plantaiton dedicated to who sugarcane is grown, harvested, manufactured, and ultimately, turned into sugar! 

This is a great exhibit to visit when you’re ready to get off your feet for a few minutes — there are several benches inside a wooden building that you can sit on while watching a 5–10 minutes film about the history of sugarcane and modern sugar production. Apparently, turning sugarcane into granulated sugar is a pretty long process — it must be harvested and washed, the juices must be extracted, then it must be crystallized and centrifuged before the sugar is packaged. 

You don’t want to skip this exhibit. If you arrive in the middle of the film, just stick around until it starts over again — you won’t have to wait long between showings. 

People of Oak Alley Exhibit  

People of Oak Alley Exhibit shares information about the people who lived at Oak Alley Plantation from the 1860s until the 1920s, when the property was purchased by the final owners and turned into the Oak Alley Foundation. 

The exhibit is completely outdoors (located near the West Garden) and includes a series of plaques with a chronological timeline attached. You’ll learn a lot of this information during The Big House Tour, so you might not need to spend much time at this exhibit. 

Blacksmith Shop  

The Blacksmith Shop is a forge that shares the history of forging metal on plantations. It’s located behind the restaurant, gift shop, and inn — so you will miss it if you aren’t looking for it. 

Amenities at Oak Alley Plantation  

In addition to the exhibits, Oak Alley Plantation offers some additional amenities, including the following. These are all located south of the Slavery at Oak Alley Exhibit. 

Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn  

Did you know you can actually stay at Oak Alley Plantation? 

Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn offers several one-bedroom and two-bedroom cottages where guests can stay overnight. Each reservation includes a full breakfast, and you can also add dinner room service to your reservation. Tours and admission to Oak Alley Plantation are not included with each reservation. 

Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant is open to all visitors at the plantation — both tourists and overnight guests — and serves breakfast from 8:30 AM to 10 AM and lunch from 11 AM to 3 PM. The menu focuses on traditional Creole and Cajun cuisine, so you’ll be able to enjoy items like beignets, shrimp and grits, gumbo, po boys, fried fish, smoked sausage, and more! 

The Plantation Cafe & Ice Cream Parlor  

If you’re craving a quick bite or a sweet treat, The Plantation Cafe and Ice Cream Parlor serves salads, wraps, and sandwiches, as well as sweet treats, like ice cream! 

Gift Shop  

Oak Alley Plantation has a great gift shop that has much more than memorabilia from the plantation itself — the shop is filled with tons of other Louisiana-themed goodies and souvenirs, including home décor, kitchen items, food and drinks, and more. 

Oak Alley Plantation Tours  

If you’d like to visit Oak Alley Plantation on a tour that includes round-trip transportation to and from New Orleans, check out some of these top-rated tours:

• Oak Alley Plantation & Airboat Swamp Combo Tour — This full-day tour includes pickup and drop-off from your hotel in New Orleans, and in addition to touring the grounds at Oak Alley Plantation, you’ll be able to take an airboat tour through the bayou swamplands, where you’ll see alligators, birds, and other animals. Over 450 travelers have rated this tour 4.7/5 stars!
• Oak Alley Plantation Half-Day Tour — If you’d only like to visit Oak Alley Plantation, this half-day tour with transportation to and from New Orleans is perfect for you. This tour includes a guided tour of the Big House and a self-guided tour of the grounds at Oak Alley Plantation.
• Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Cruise Day Trip — Get picked up from your hotel in New Orleans and embark on an adventure at Oak Alley Plantation and in the bayou. This seven-hour tour includes hotel pickup, entry to and a guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation, and a narrated swamp cruise. Over 700 travelers have rated this tour 4.7/5 stars!

Tips for Visiting Oak Alley Plantation  

After visiting Oak Alley Plantation, here are some of my personal tips: 

• Stay hydrated — Bring plenty of water. It gets hot in Louisiana (especially if you visit in June, like us!), and most exhibits at Oak Alley Plantation are at least partially outside. 
• Arrive early — If you’re going on the Big House Tour, arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled tour time. This will give you plenty of time to check in, walk from the ticket counter to the entrance of the house, and get in line. 
• Purchase tickets in advance — Oak Alley Plantation is a popular tourist attraction from New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and tickets book up quickly, especially on weekends. Buy tickets (or book a tour!) in advance to ensure tickets don’t sell out. 
• Prioritize these exhibits — If you only have time for a few exhibits, I recommend The Big House, Slavery at Oak Alley, and the Sugarcane Theater. I found these exhibits to be the most informative and interesting. 
• Snap photos between tours — If you want a photo in front of The Big House from the “Oak Alley” without a bunch of people in the background, wait until the tour group enters the house at the beginning of each half hour (10 AM, 10:30 AM, 11 AM, etc.) and snap a picture before the next tour group begins lining up. 
• Don’t skip the gift shop — The gift shop at Oak Alley Plantation actually has some really fun finds if you have time to peruse before heading home. 

FAQs: Oak Alley Plantation  

How many slaves were at oak alley plantation.

There were 220 enslaved people who lived at and worked at Oak Alley Plantation. You can learn more about the day-to-day life of slaves, as well as their names, origins, and relationships, in the Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit at Oak Alley Plantation

Can you sleep at Oak Alley Plantation?

You can stay overnight at Oak Alley Plantation at the Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn. There are one-bedroom and two-bedroom cottages you can choose from during your stay — and complimentary breakfast is provided as well! 

How long is the Big House tour at Oak Alley Plantation?

The Big House tour at Oak Alley Plantation generally lasts 30–40 minutes. Tours start at the beginning of each hour and each half hour.

Explore Oak Alley Plantation for a Deep Dive into Louisiana History  

If you have time while you’re in New Orleans — plan to spend a day exploring Oak Alley Plantation!

After reading through the exhibits, you will walk away with so much knowledge about the history of Louisiana and the United States — both the good and the bad. Plus, you’ll be able to see a whole new side of the state outside the big city.

Save This Post About Oak Alley Plantation for Later

Savvy Travel Advice

Oak Alley Plantation: Our Visit and Overnight Stay at a Louisiana Plantation

Last updated: October 22, 2021 - Written by Jessica Norah 33 Comments

Oak Alley Plantation is one of over a dozen Louisiana plantation homes open to the public that line the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. In the mid-nineteenth century, over 300 plantations lined the river in this area, most of the plantations growing sugar cane which became the principal cash crop in this area by the early nineteenth century.

Oak Alley Plantation is often considered the Grande Dame of the Great River Road with a lovely Greek Revival style main house and a number of dependencies built between 1837 to 1839. Oak Alley is no longer a working sugar cane plantation, but the original main house and a few other original buildings remain on the property as well as the famous 300-year-old alley of oaks that gives this plantation its name and photogenic fame. It is also famous for being shown in numerous TV shows and films, including Hush Hush Sweet Charlott e and Interview with the Vampire .

Unknown to many visitors, travelers can not only have a meal at the Oak Alley Restaurant but they can also stay overnight in one of several historic or modern cottages located on the plantation grounds. Laurence and I were fortunate enough to be overnight guests in one of the Oak Alley Plantation cottages which gave us ample time to explore the grounds, sample the food, and get great views of the plantation at sunset and sunrise.

We’ll share all the information you’ll need to visit and tour the Oak Alley Plantation and also details for those wanting to stay overnight at this famous plantation.

Table of Contents:

Basic Information for Visiting Oak Alley Plantation

Here is some information and tips to help you plan your visit to Oak Alley.

What is the address of Oak Alley?

The address is  3645 Highway 18, Vacherie, Louisiana  70090

How do I get to Oak Alley?

 Oak Alley Plantation is most accessible for drivers by car. It is located about 53 miles (1 hour driving) from both Baton Rouge and New Orleans. The plantation website provides very detailed  directions and maps to Oak Alley Plantation for drivers.

Another good way to visit is to join a plantation tour from New Orleans or Baton Rouge that includes Oak Alley Plantation or hire a private car transfer. See next section for a list of tour options.

Note that there are taxis and Ubers; however, many people who have used Uber have been stranded at plantations because there are few drivers who will do pick-ups from this area. So you are better off arranging a day trip, private transfer, or scheduled taxi (with pick-up and drop-off arranged in advance).

Unfortunately, there are no good public transportation connections to Oak Alley Plantation.

Oak Alley Day Tour Options from New Orleans?

Day tours are a very popular way to visit Oak Alley Plantation from New Orleans, both group and private tours are available. Many tours also include visits to a second plantation.

Here are several possibilities: 

• If you only want to visit Oak Alley, there is this  group tour from New Orleans, this group tour from New Orleans, and this private tour .
• This  guided tour  visits both Oak Alley as well as Laura Plantation.
• This  half day tour  takes visitors along the River Road and then allows them to choose to visit one fo the following plantations: Oak Alley, Laura Plantation or Whitney Plantation.
• This private tour includes hotel pick-up and visits to Oak Alley and Laura Plantation for the West Bank option.

How did I book Tickets to Oak Alley?

Tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Center on arrival to the plantation at the Ticket Booth located near the parking area. Tickets can not be purchased in advance. Tour reservations are required for groups of 20 or more. 

How much are entrance tickets to Oak Alley?

As of June 2021, tickets are USD $25.00 for adults age 19+, $10.00 for children age 13 to 18, and $7.00 for children age 6 to 12. Those age 5 and under are given free admission. 

Discounts are available for seniors, AAA members, military, students, and first responders.

Oak Alley Ticket Inclusions?

  The Oak Alley Plantation ticket includes a guided tour of the mansion (the “Big House” tour) and access to all the exhibits, demonstrations, and other public buildings at the plantation.

On your own you can visit the grounds, the Alley of Oaks, the Slavery at Oak Alley exhibit with reconstructed slave quarters, the Civil War Interpretive Exhibit, the blacksmith shop, watch a sugarcane video, and see a few other sites of interest. 

How long should I spend at Oak Alley?

The mansion tour is about 35 minutes long and is given every half hour.   You should allow at least two hours to do the mansion tour, stroll the grounds, visit the gift shop, and see some of the other exhibits.

If you want to eat a meal here, I would definitely allow a bit more time. Similarly, if this is the only plantation you plan to tour in the area, I would spend the afternoon here and enjoy the experience by strolling the grounds, stopping at all the exhibits, having a meal, and enjoying a mint julep. 

Where is the Alley of Oaks at Oak Alley?

There is actually an alley of oaks at the back and front of the mansion. The famous Alley of Oaks is a 800-feet-long alley of 300-year-old mature Virginia Live Oaks located on what would have been the front of the house. An alley of younger oaks in the back alley were planted in the 1830’s and 1930’s. Visitors can stroll along the oak alleys on their own before or after the tour.

Only those with tickets are permitted on the grounds of the plantation.

Food at Oak Alley?

There is both a sit-down restaurant and a cafe centrally located on the plantation. There is also a Spirits Bar that is often open located across from the restaurant.

The Oak Alley Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm (9:00 – 15:00). Seating is on a first come, first served basis.   The Plantation Café offers sandwiches, wraps, snacks, ice cream, coffee, drinks, and even mint juleps from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (9:00 – 17:00).

Large groups should contact Oak Alley in advance for planned seating.

Overnight Accommodation at Oak Alley?

  Visitors have the option to stay overnight at the plantation. There are currently 9 guest cottages on the property, some are 100+ year-old plantation cottages and some are newly constructed modern deluxe cottages. At least one is wheelchair accessible.

All cottages have central air conditioning and heat, refrigerator, microwave, basic kitchen utensils, coffee maker, wireless internet, hair dryer, iron and ironing board, board games, and robes. Two of the cottages are adults-only and contain no televisions for those wanting an extra quiet stay. You can see a photo and description of each cottage online.

Prices for 2 persons currently range from $165/night to $275/night depending on which cottage you rent and all stays include a full country breakfast served at the restaurant. AAA and military discounts available.

Note that cottage prices do not include a Tour ticket which will need to be purchased separately if you want to do the guided Big House tour (the rest of the plantation can be visited by cottage guests without a tour ticket). While there may be last-minute vacancies on the date of your visit, cottages are often fully booked so do be sure to make reservations well in advance if you would like to stay overnight.

Need more Information?  

Oak Alley has an excellent informative  website , and you can also email them at [email protected] or call them at (225) 265-2151 or 1-800-442-5539 for more information. They can also provide information if you are interested in holding a wedding or event here or if you are interested in doing professional photography shoots or filming.

For more information about the area, check out the Baton Route tourism website and the New Orleans tourism website ; they both provide loads of information for trip planning to this region.

Our Visit to Oak Alley Plantation

The Great River Road in the United States is a series of roads that follow the banks of the mighty Mississippi River across 10 states!

In Louisiana, the most popular stretch is the approximately 100 miles of road that runs along both sides of the Mississippi River as it is still lined by a number of antebellum plantation homes and sugar cane fields. Although now there are also a number of industrial plants and factories as well as suburban strips mixed into the view.

Before the Civil War, Louisiana was one of the wealthiest states in the country and afterward it became one of the poorest as the plantation model collapsed with the end of slavery, and then the mosaic virus wiped out much of the sugar cane in this area in the early 1900’s. Whereas hundreds of plantations once lined this stretch of river, there are now only a few dozen left in various states of repair and about a dozen or so of these plantations are open to the public for tours.

Oak Alley Plantation is one of the most popular. If you are looking for a plantation a bit like Tara (or Twelve Oaks) from Gone with the Wind , Oak Alley may be the closest fit among the Louisiana River Road plantations although the fictional plantations depicted in the film (and book) were cotton plantations in Georgia. 

Like most of the plantation homes along the river, Oak Alley Plantation has survived multiple owners and times of both plenty and hardship. The plantation was originally established as a sugarcane plantation by wealthy Sugar King François-Gabriel “Valcour” Aimé. Aimé was also the owner of the St. James Refinery Plantation, known as Le Petit Versailles, and is believed to have been the grandest and most opulent plantation mansion ever built in south Louisiana (it sadly burned to the ground in 1920).

In 1936, Aimé sold the plantation to his brother-in-law Jacques Télesphore Roman who built the Oak Alley mansion in front of the already existing Alley of Oaks as a gift for his wife Celina. Originally named the Bon Séjour plantation, the Roman family would own the sugar cane plantation until 1866, when it was sold at auction.

The plantation would be bought and sold numerous times over the years, falling slowly into disrepair. It would be under the ownership of Andrew and Josephine Stewart, wealthy Texan cattle ranchers, that the house and plantation would be restored in the 1920’s. 

Then in 1972, Josephine left Oak Alley Plantation on her death to the Oak Alley Foundation which continues to run the plantation today.

Tour of Oak Alley Plantation

There are a number of things you can see and check out during your visit and I would recommend that after buying an entry ticket that visitors head to the main house first just in case there are large groups scheduled that can sometimes delay entry to the Big House tour. Then you can plan your visit accordingly.

Tours of the Big House

Tours are given every 30 minutes on the hour and half-hour. The group tours are given by guides who are dressed in antebellum period costumes and the tour lasts about 30-40 minutes.

The main house tour provides a guided visit to all the rooms of the house, information about the most significant owners of the house, life on the plantation, the possible ghost activity at the plantation, and a bit of information on the TV shows and movies shot at the plantation. Many visitors find that the inside of the house seems smaller than expected compared to its outward appearance.

The house tour focuses primarily on the house and the families who lived in the house. Interesting tidbits are also woven into the tour such as the use of the courting candle, how pineapples were used in the house to let guests know they’d overstayed their welcome, mourning rituals, and how punkah fans operated. At one point the home was so neglected that birds, cows, and other animals inhabited most of the first floor!

The house is sumptuously furnished and contains a few original pieces but most are period pieces rather than those that belonged to the families who lived here. The furnishings are from the mid-1800’s in the period prior to the Civil War and help to illustrate the tales of excessive living, parties, war, and financial crises. 

The first part of the tour takes you to all the public rooms on the first floor such as the parlor, dining room, and sitting room. Then you head upstairs (the staircase was completely moved during the 1920’s restoration) to view the bedrooms and nursery. You also have the opportunity for some great views from the verandah towards the Alley of Oaks and river (actual view of river blocked by levee).

We learned that although the house is rarely used for filming these days as it is open for tours almost every day of the year, several movies have been shot here including  Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte with Bette Davis, The Long, Hot Summer with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward,  Primary Colors with John Travolta, and Interview with the Vampire which starred both Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise. Beyoncé fans may recognize the house from her “Déjà Vu” music video.

The house itself was built from 1837 to 1839 using primarily slave labor and is in the Greek Revival style. The owning family, the Romans, were actually related to many of the owners of other plantations along the river as many of the wealthy plantation families intermarried.

The plantation was run as a sugar cane plantation but later was also used as a cattle ranch, being used as an actual residence until 1972 when it was willed to the Oak Alley Foundation by Josephine Stewart. It would be the Stewarts who would start restoring the plantation in the 1920’s and Oak Alley Plantation was notably the first plantation along this stretch of River Road to be restored since the ante-bellum period.

Today the clocks in the plantation house are stopped to mark the hour of her death on October 3, 1972 at 7:30 a.m. to honor her memory. It is likely that without Josephine Stewart, visitors would not be strolling the halls of this mansion. 

TIP: If you want to avoid crowds without staying overnight, try visiting at opening time and do the first house tour of the day and then consider having a leisurely breakfast at the restaurant! You’ll also usually find fewer crowds towards the end of the day.

The Alley of Oaks

The grand Alley of Oaks has helped make this plantation one of the most photographed sites in Louisiana. This alley features a double row of 28 live oak trees that extends from the house to the road (not all the way to the river) and is about 800 feet in length.

There are a few interesting facts about this famous alley of oaks. First, these trees were here well before the Romans built their home in 1837 and it is unknown who actually planted the live oak trees, why they were planted, and when exactly they were planted. It has been determined by the tree’s age that they were planted between about 1725 to 1750, making them almost 300 years old. A French settler likely built a home here and planted the trees then but no real information is known. The trees can live up to about 600 years old so they are currently only about middle aged!

Another interesting mystery is why there is no Spanish moss on these trees, which is draped on most of the live oak trees throughout the region. We heard that one of the past owners had it removed because she thought it was creepy, but we also learned that Oak Alley has photos dating back to 1905 that show no Spanish moss on the trees. So even if it were removed it is unknown why it has not returned.

The lack of Spanish moss proved a problem for filming Interview with the Vampire  and a lot of time and money was spent draping Spanish moss all over the trees and then removing it to make it look like the grand but eerie estate for Brad Pitt’s vampire character.

Lastly, the exterior of the main house features a free-standing colonnade of 28 Doric columns on all four sides and 28 columns were used to match the 28 oak trees in the Alley of Oaks

Slavery Exhibit at Oak Alley Plantation

Out of the remaining exhibits and attractions, if you are visiting with limited time, I would make sure to allow about 30 minutes for the Slavery Exhibit which focuses on the slaves that would have lived on the plantation from about 1835 to 1865.

Although the guided tour at Oak Alley is not focused on slavery, visitors should not forget that the plantation system and the wealth of this entire region was possible only with slave labor. The beautiful mansion we toured was built primarily by enslaved labor, slaves maintained the pretty grounds, and planted the sugar cane that gave the plantation owners their wealth until the end of the Civil War.

None of the original slavery cabins survive, but Oak Alley had 6 cabins reconstructed using period-consistent techniques to give visitors an idea of what they would have looked like and four have been furnished to show how they may have been furnished in different situations. Cabins depicts a field slave’s quarters, a house slave’s quarters, a sick house, and a post-emancipation residence as many of the former slaves stayed on after emancipation. Displays inside the cabins focus on religion, punishment, illness, clothing, food, and family life.

It is perhaps impossible to fully imagine the difficulty and struggles experienced by enslaved persons. In addition to the forced work, life might include violent beatings, being underfed, sexual exploitation, and separation of one’s family.

Life on a sugarcane plantation was particularly harsh for those who worked in the fields as sugarcane was one of the most demanding crops to produce and required intensive labor and long hours in hot temperatures. Accidents were frequent when cutting the cane due to close proximity of other slaves, lack of proper protective gear, and working in the fields in the dark. Snakes and rats lived in the sugarcane fields and the standing pools of stagnant water attracted malaria, leading to bites and disease.

Obviously enslaved life was hard and it was dehumanizing, whether one was a field hand or a house slave. However, like all people the slaves also built their own community, participated in things such as religious worship, gardening, and music, fell in love, had families, and experienced grief as well as joy. It is important to remember the human aspect of the enslaved people as they tried to maintain what lives they could despite their living conditions.

TIP: For those truly interested in slavery in America, we can highly recommend a visit to Whitney Plantation which is the only plantation tour in the area that focuses on slavery and is the first museum devoted to slavery in the United States. It is located about a 15 minute drive from Oak Alley, near the Laura Plantation. See our guide to 12 Louisiana plantations along the River Road for comparisons of each.

While little is know about many of the hundreds of slaves that lived at Oak Alley other than a list of names, job duties, and basic characteristics, a bit more is known about a few of the slaves. A few displays focus on the stories of these slaves.

For instance, we know that Louise Patin Roman insisted upon her death in 1836 that slave families should not be separated and that a field slave and cart driver named Zephyr from Congo should be given his freedom. Zephyr was freed by Louise’s son Jacques, but his family which included his Creole wife Zaire and two sons, Antoine and Bacchus, were not freed. Zephyr stayed on the plantation with his family and was paid a wage to work. In 1846, Zephyr would buy freedom for his wife Zaire for $350 and the two would continue to live on the plant ation until their deaths.

Zephyr and Zaire’s son Antoine would be a gardener at Oak Alley and perhaps become the most famous slave to live on the plantation. Antoine became skilled at grafting trees and in 1846 would become the first person to successfully graft pecan trees, producing a pecan with a thin shell that could be cracked with one’s hands.

His work resulted in the first named variety, Centennial, and the first commercial pecan orchard at nearby Anita Plantation (sadly washed away in a flood). The property was designated a National Historic Landmark for its architecture and landscaping, and for the agricultural innovation of grafting pecan trees performed by Antoine.

Other Exhibits at Oak Alley

Use the Visitor Map for a self-guided tour of the rest of the exhibits at Oak Alley, which include a sugar kettles, a slave marker, the old plantation bell, the Roman family tombstone, small gardens, a view of the Overseer’s House (private property), a sugarcane video, a Civil War exhibit, a blacksmith shop that includes a 1890’s era forge, and a nice gift shop.

If you have limited time, I would suggest focusing on the Civil War exhibit, especially if a historical interpreter is present, taking a look at the Sugarcane Exhibit, taking a look at the Stewart Gardens, and checking out the blacksmith ship, especially if there is a demonstration going on during your visit.

Note the sugarcane video shown during our visit in the Sugarcane Theater was produced by the sugar industry so although it is useful to learn about the current industry it is not the most objective information. There are normally information displays on the sugar cane process and slave labor at the theater, but these were not on display during our visit. I had wished for a more informative video about sugarcane production and the difficult process of its production in the time of slavery.

The gift shop attached to the restaurant also offers a quite extensive selection of gifts, souvenirs, food items, and handicrafts and is worth a stop. It is one of the largest gift shops of any of the plantations in the area.

Eating at Oak Alley Plantation

You will certainly not go hungry if you decide to spend some time exploring Oak Alley! There is both a sit-down restaurant and a cafe centrally located on the plantation.

Laurence and I had both breakfast and lunch at the Oak Alley Restaurant and also had dinner prepared by the restaurant for our dinner during our overnight stay in one of the plantation cottages. The food is Southern style with a number of Cajun and Creole dishes, including beignets, gumbo, crawfish étouffée, blackened Louisiana redfish, seafood au gratin, fried catfish, po-boy sandwiches, red beans and rice, bread pudding, and pecan pie.

For lunch, we shared the Cajun appetizer sampler (spinach and artichoke dip, crawfish cake, and fried alligator bites), the special dish of the day which was a Cajun pork filet , Cajun rice, mustard greens and a tossed salad , and th e crawfish étouffée dish . Everything was good and we recommend trying the house speciality dishes (recipes are available and there is also a cookbook for sale in the gift shop).

We were actually too full to eat dessert at lunch but we were presented with a tray full of very tempting desserts! We would have to wait until dinner to try the bread pudding. 

Oak Alley is also known for its mint juleps which are served in both dining areas as well as at a small outdoor pop-up bar just outside the mansion. A traditional mint julep contains mint, bourbon, sugar, and water.

There were three types of mint juleps available when we visited (original mint, lemon, frozen blackberry) plus a non-alcoholic mint julep. You can sample all three mint juleps as a flight which we of course did at the restaurant! My favorite was the lemon and Laurence really liked the sweet frozen blackberry and the original.

We can also recommend the sweet mint tea for those looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink.

Spending the Night at Oak Alley Plantation

Check in for the cottage was easy at the Restaurant Office (white building across from the restaurant) and two staff members actually escorted us back to the main parking lot and led us to the private access road that leads to the cottages.

There is a parking space for guests near each cottage and your key gives you access to be in the cottage area of the plantation and to stroll the grounds after hours so be sure to have it on you at all times. There are both historic and newly-constructed 1 and 2-bedroom cottages; we were given Cottage #8 which is one of the newly built deluxe 1-bedroom cottages.

The staff members showed us around the cottage and explained how the Smart TV, fireplace, heating, and other things worked in our cottage before leaving. Our cottage was nicely furnished and very clean and comfortable.

We had a king-sized bed, sitting room with an electric fireplace, cable Smart TV, and a comfortable sofa, a kitchenette with a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker and basic utensils, a bathroom with a walk-in shower, hair dryer, and basic toiletries, and a screened front porch with two chairs. Each cottage has a different layout and slightly different amenities so you should read the descriptions before booking.

Although we didn’t watch TV, we used the Smart TV to play music which was nice while sitting outside and the waffle robes were very nice to relax in after dinner. The screened porch is a great place to sip some iced tea or a mint julep in the afternoon or a coffee in the morning. 

TIP: Note that mosquitoes can be a nuisance throughout Louisiana (and much of the South), especially between the months of March and October and between the hours of dusk and dawn so be sure to pack some mosquito repellent (and sunscreen!) if visiting Louisiana during this period. We visited in January and February and still experienced a few bites during our travels in Louisiana.

One privilege of staying overnight at Oak Alley Plantation is that you have access to the grounds for the length of your stay. While a couple of areas of the plantation are private property, you have access to the gardens, area around the mansion, oak alleys, picnic area, graveyard, and most of the grounds even after it closes to the general public.

You do not however have access to the inside of any of the buildings as the mansion, restaurant, gift shop, slavery exhibits, and other buildings are closed after the plantation closes to the public so be sure to see these during regular opening hours.

But you can explore the rest of the plantation slowly and at will. Read a book on a bench under an oak tree, stroll the grounds with a mint julep, take photos without a bunch of people in them, power walk the Alley of Oaks, or walk across the levee to watch the mighty Mississippi!

We were able to get sunrise and sunset photos of the mansion and Alley of Oaks when no one else was around and we took a walk to see the Mississippi River around sunset as well. The plantation becomes very quiet after closing time and before 8:00am with only a handful of staff and other guests on the plantation.

We were stopped a few times by polite security staff during our wanders and just had to show our cottage key. 

TIP:  if you stay overnight, I would plan what you want to do for meals prior to your visit as options are a bit limited, especially in the evenings.

Lunch is easy to have at the plantation restaurant or café; however, the restaurant is not open in the evenings. The cottages give you the option to bring your own food (some include a full kitchen and some only a kitchenette so check ahead if you plan to cook), visit a local restaurant, or book food in advance from the Oak Alley Restaurant that will be left for you in your cottage to reheat.

Most grocery stores along the River Road are not open very late so I would pick up any groceries prior to check-in. There are no restaurants within walking distance so you will need a car and it can be up to a 30-minute drive, but there are a few recommended restaurants in the area although most require reservations and the hours and days open vary widely so do call ahead before going.

If you want to try a local restaurant, Nobile’s Restaurant & Bar  in Lutcher is a 20-minute drive (currently serves lunch Monday to Friday and dinner Thursday to Saturday only) and there are two restaurants open for dinner at Houmas House Plantation & Gardens  in Darrow which are a 30-minute drive, offering a more casual dinner at The Carriage House Restaurant and a formal dining experience at Latil’s Landing Restaurant (reservations required for both). Ormond Plantation  in Destrehan also offers dinner at its restaurant on certain evenings (currently only on Fridays, reservations required) and is about a 40 minute drive away. 

Although a nice dinner at Houmas House was tempting, we had decided to order the evening meal service in order to review it and to spend more time on the plantation.If you would like the evening meal service at Oak Alley, you just need to order it by 2:00pm the day before you arrive. We ordered the tossed salad, the chicken, sausage, and andouille gumbo served with steamed rice and rolls, bread pudding, and a pitcher of sweet mint iced tea.

Everything was placed in our cottage refrigerator on the afternoon of our stay and was all prepackaged in containers with directions on how to heat or prepare each dish. Staff had even set the table for us and put out most of the items we needed for our meal. Even re-heated the gumbo was really tasty as was the rich bread pudding with whiskey sauce!

It was really cozy and nice to have a dinner in the cottage and not have to worry about cooking ourselves or driving somewhere. Definitely recommend this if you are looking for a no-fuss option.

Overall Thoughts on Our Visit to Oak Alley Plantation

Oak Alley Plantation is one of the most famous plantations of the dozen or so Louisiana plantations that line the Mississippi River, and it was not difficult for us to see what attracts so many visitors. The mansion is beautiful, the Alley of Oaks is breathtaking, and the views are romantic and bucolic. In addition to the mansion, there are also several exhibits and attractions to explore as well as good food to eat and mint juleps to drink!

Most visitors are satisfied with a house tour and a quick walk around, but for those who want to experience the plantation when it is quiet and uncrowded, I would highly recommend an overnight stay. A n overnight stay gave us so much more time to visit the exhibits, enjoy a long lunch, stroll the property with a mint julep in hand, take photos in the evening and morning, and have a cozy romantic stay in a nice cottage on this beautiful property.

If you want to stay in this area but Oak Alley is booked, there are several other plantation houses where you can stay the night (as well as a handful of motels, B & B’s, and hotels) and I’d highly recommend spending a couple of days in this area rather than rushing through on a day trip from New Orleans. We actually spent almost four days in the area and visited 12 Louisiana River Road plantations to be able to write a comprehensive visitors’ guide.

We can highly recommend an overnight stay at Oak Alley Plantation and would love to return to this region some day!

Do you think you would enjoy a visit to Oak Alley Plantation? Have you been to Oak Alley or any of the other Louisiana plantations? Feel free to share your own thoughts, tips, and advice. If you have any questions about our visit or overnight stay at Oak Alley Plantation, just ask!

**Disclosure: We were provided complimentary tours, meals, and cottage by Oak Alley in order to write a review and provide feedback; however, this article contains only our own honest thoughts and opinions. We specifically chose to visit and stay at Oak Alley Plantation. **

Share this Post!

There are 33 comments on this post.

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Elizabeth Lewis Post author

October 30, 2021 at 3:53 am

Do you have any recent photos of the magnificent oaks after the last hurricane? A visit to these trees is quite a spiritual experience. We visited again not long before the hurricane as they were calling to me again. Our stays there have been extraordinary

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

October 30, 2021 at 4:49 am

Hi Elizabeth,

You can see a report and photos of the damage caused by Hurricane Ida here that have been shared by Oak Alley about a month ago of the damage and what it looks like now after the cleanup and repairs. It did cause damage to Oak Alley but it has since re-opened. In terms of the oak alley itself, it caused a lot of shedding and some damage but it seems pretty minimal after the cleanup (see the photos before and after cleanup). They expect things to look fairly normal by Spring.

Hope that helps and hope you are able to return and stay here again.

Best, Jessica

Jane Post author

June 2, 2021 at 4:57 am

Great detailed post! Do you know if Oak Alley Plantation has opened up for overnight booking for the on-site cottages? Are the restaurants fully open? Thanks!

June 2, 2021 at 10:11 am

Yes, the Oak Alley guided house tours, restaurants, and cottages are all operating. Louisiana state guidelines regarding social distancing apply but table service is offered now in the restaurant. The overnight cottages can be booked online either on the website or by calling them directly.

Tickets for tours can be purchased on arrival or you can join a guided tour that includes your ticket price. There are both group and private tours currently operating from New Orleans.

So everything is open as far as I know, just expect the normal guidelines regarding social distancing, hand hygiene, and face masks to apply if you are traveling there soon.

James Post author

May 29, 2021 at 11:34 am

This place and All other plantations were built on slaves backs and horrific things happen here this isn’t anything great about this place

May 30, 2021 at 12:47 pm

Thanks for sharing your opinion and yes indeed Oak Alley was built by slave labor as were most other plantations built before the Civil War. This is clearly acknowledged by the people who run Oak Alley. But if you are specifically interested in learning about slavery, Oak Alley may not be the best place to visit.

Plantation visits are not for everyone. Of course, if people did not visit any places associated with slavery or other horrible events in human history, there would be few places one could visit. Many buildings before the Civil War, from universities to the U.S. Capitol to libraries, churches, and homes were built by slave or indentured labor or by bricks and other materials made by slaves.

But some plantations are used primarily to teach people about slavery such as the nearby Whitney Plantation. It is the only plantation in Louisiana (there are others in other states) to focus on the story of slavery. In fact, it is credited as the first museum dedicated to slavery in the United States. I think that places like this can be powerful places to learn about the history and impact of slavery. If you are in the area, check out Whitney and I’d love to hear what you think.

Francisco Post author

January 26, 2020 at 8:27 am

One thing that everyone must know about these oak alley photos: it’s almost impossible to take a shot without any crowd behind of your shots at the plantation. So plan it carefully if you’re planning wedding shots or something that crowds of people would be a concern on your photos.

January 28, 2020 at 9:15 am

Hi Francisco, Yes, as noted, Oak Alley is a busy and popular tourist attraction and so it can be difficult, but not impossible, to get photos without other people. We recommend going near opening time, near closing time, or staying overnight on the property for best photo opportunities. But it is fairly easy to still get great photos with proper angling around the estate and trees at almost any time of the day 😉

However, if you are planning wedding shots, like at most private places, if you are taking photos for commercial use or for a wedding, engagement, graduation, etc. you’ll need to schedule a photo session at the property and pay a photo session fee. They will then help you schedule a date and time, depending on if you want interior photos or just exterior photos. You’ll want to schedule that in advance with the Oak Alley events team.

Amanda Post author

January 17, 2018 at 7:22 am

Hi! Just found your blog. My daughter and I did a drive through vacation, a few years back. One of the stops was here at Oak Alley. We had such a marvelous time, and ate at their restaurant for lunch. Fantastic food. Beautiful scenery. And such sweet people. Had no idea that they had the cottages, but we already had reservations elsewhere, along our travel route, and had to stick to it. Would certainly love to go back though. It really is a beautiful and peaceful place.

January 17, 2018 at 1:11 pm

Hi Amanda, Yes, if you have a chance to return, I’d consider spending the night at Oak Alley Plantation as the cottages are nice. It is really peaceful and you are able to walk around after visitors have left and they’ve closed the gates. There are also loads of other plantations along the River Road that you can visit as well. We also would love to return to Louisiana and see more of the state as we have mainly only seen Baton Rouge, New Orleans and the River Road which runs in between the two cities! Best, Jessica

April Yap Post author

June 3, 2016 at 2:38 am

Thanks for sharing awesome information about Oak Alley Plantation and the Louisiana plantations. I should take note all of these for my short-term memory. lol

travelcats Post author

June 3, 2016 at 8:24 am

Hi April, Yes, such a beautiful plantation and if you have a chance to stay overnight at Oak Alley Plantation, I would definitely consider it. The food is good too! Best, Jessica

shruti Panday Post author

May 12, 2016 at 2:39 am

The cottage looks so nice! Those trees are truly special. Would absolutely love to go there!

May 12, 2016 at 6:52 am

It was a really nice cottage and so nice to have a comfortable and peaceful place to relax in between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. I hope you have the chance to travel to Louisiana and visit here some day!

Michele {Malaysian Meanders} Post author

May 10, 2016 at 11:02 pm

I visited Louisiana as a teenager, and Oak Alley is one of the memories that really stand out. I would love to return and especially stay in one of the cottages. I’m so glad to know that they have airconditioning as the summer heat and humidity can be oppressive there. The food at the restaurant looks delicious, too. I’ve been meaning to head back to New Orleans some day, and now you are really giving me some motivation with this great post.

May 11, 2016 at 4:27 am

Hi Michele, Oh, nice that this post sparked a fond memory of your time in Louisiana. Yes the heat and mosquitoes can make summer a bit less desirable and we were there in winter which was great:) I would suggest avoiding summer if you can as the heat, humidity, crowds, and mosquitoes can be a nuisance. I hope you get the chance to return and stay in one of the cottage! ~ Jessica

Anda Post author

May 10, 2016 at 12:47 pm

I love the Oak Alley Plantation, Jessica! I visited the place at least three times so far, if not more. There was a time when my husband had to go to New Orleans every year and we always made sure to go by the plantation as well. You’ve got the most perfect pictures of the Oak Alley Plantation that I have ever seen! Your post makes me want to go bach there again.

May 10, 2016 at 4:40 pm

Hi Anda, Wow, that is a lot of visits. New Orleans is a great city and you are lucky you got to visit so many times. I am sure you’ll return again some day! ~ Jessica

Rob Post author

May 10, 2016 at 2:02 am

What a fantastic post! When last we visited Oak Alley, the cottages were not open – so we feel a need to return! We did have dinner at Houmas House, though, and very much enjoyed it. Great pictures and info! Thanks for sharing.

May 10, 2016 at 3:32 am

Thanks Rob, yes, staying in a cottage for a night or two is a wonderful way to appreciate the grounds, the river, and the beautiful Alley of Oaks. I wish we would have made time for dinner at Houmas House during our time in the area, it sounds fantastic and was recommended to us by Oak Alley staff. ~ Jessica

Rachael@safari254 Post author

May 10, 2016 at 1:53 am

First and foremost gorgeous photos …

I have read about the Oak Alley plantation before. Check out this post from Dana, she’s got some interesting perspective of the place although not nearly as detailed! http://www.thatgirlcarmel.com/impressions-of-oak-alley-plantation/

May 10, 2016 at 4:08 am

Hi Rachael, Thanks, this is an easy place to take gorgeous photos and one of the most photographed locations in the state which is the main reason we were keen to spend the night here.

Thanks for the link. I have actually read a lot of perspectives about plantation tours as we have toured dozens of them within the South and you do get a few guests (perhaps even guides!) who have inappropriate questions/comments but we actually didn’t experience this much ourselves. A guide to plantations in this area is in the works and will hopefully help travelers find one that fits what they are looking for as I think people think they are all the same, but there are a lot of differences in the focus of many of them. In regards to slavery, I think that many plantation tours do not, at least historically, put much emphasis on slavery and the lives and work of the slaves. This has definitely changed for the better over the years but there is still much more that can be done. Oak Alley’s slave exhibit is one such example of improvement along with their research archives on slavery (what little records they have are available). I would actually have loved the option for a short guided tour of the slave exhibits at Oak Alley and I hope they are able to add this in the future. The House Tour at Oak Alley is not meant to focus on slavery and doesn’t do so although slavery was acknowledged several times during our tour. The House Tour focuses on the owners and their lives and is meant to show guests the interior of the home and what it would have looked liked during the residency of the Roman family. I think those not interested in hearing about the owners and their house should consider skipping the house tour and just visit the grounds and exhibits. Each plantation has a slightly different focus and some focus on the owners, some on architecture, some on furnishings/antiques, and some on slavery. Whitney Plantation, which we also visited, focuses primarily on slavery but also does a tour of the plantation house and focuses a little on architecture, farming, and the owners but the primary purpose and focus is the lives of the slaves. Next door, the guided tour at Laura is a good mix of the family, Creole culture, the architecture, and slavery. So I think travelers have a lot of choices about where they go as there are almost a dozen plantations open for tours in the area. ~ Jessica

J Post author

September 27, 2020 at 3:00 am

Thank you. Very helpful review.

Ruth Post author

May 8, 2016 at 9:01 pm

Wonderful post as always! I felt transported to this place thru your words and photos. That oak tunnel is something else. I can’t believe how unreal it looks. The trees look like creatures of a fairy tale.

May 9, 2016 at 12:47 pm

Thanks Ruth! Yes those trees are amazing and do have a very mysterious but romantic look to them, especially in the evening hours. ~ Jessica

jim@reflectionsenroute Post author

May 8, 2016 at 1:46 am

I’ve never even thought you could stay in a cottage at a plantation. What a unique experience. The food looks amazing and your photos are as incredible as ever!

May 8, 2016 at 4:41 am

Hi Jim, Yes it was a unique experience that most visitors to the NOLA plantation area don’t think about. The food was really good – Laurence had never had American Southern food prior to our trip and was amazed by all the dishes he’d never tried throughout our recent Southeast adventure. Mint juleps are the specialty at Oak Alley and it was nice to stroll the property on a warm day with one in hand:) ~ Jessica

Roshan Post author

May 7, 2016 at 10:23 pm

Would absolutely love to go there!

May 8, 2016 at 4:36 am

Hi Roshan, Oak Alley Plantation is a great place, I hope you get there some day!

Cathy Post author

May 7, 2016 at 9:10 pm

What beautiful old trees that clearly have stories to tell! Great tips for a stay at a unique spot!

May 8, 2016 at 4:35 am

Hi Cathy, Indeed, these trees are amazing! I wonder if someone will discover more about their history, who planted them, and why Spanish moss fails to cling and grow to them. Oak Alley has one of the most photogenic oak alleys in the world, although we did see several others in the South – we fell in love with the lovely trees and flowers in the Southeast during our road trip! ~ Jessica

Seana Turner Post author

May 7, 2016 at 2:41 pm

I’ve never been to Louisiana. I’m glad that you wrote this because it NEVER would have occurred to me that you could stay overnight. And the cottage looks so nice! Those trees are truly special… what a treasure. But it is thought provoking to compare the splendor of the mansion with the slave cabins. Such a sad time for our country’s history…. but the food – oh my goodness that looks good!!!

May 8, 2016 at 4:30 am

Hi Seana, Yes, it was our first time in Louisiana as well and we’d love to return as we really only spent time in Baton Route, New Orleans, and the distance between these two great cities. The cottage at Oak Alley was great; we were actually more interested in a historic cabin, which are less expensive but were booked, but we ended up really liking our modern deluxe cabin as it are so nice! In addition to Oak Alley, there are several other plantations offering overnight accommodations which I think is a really nice way to experience a place like this. It was so nice to walk around in the mornings and evenings. We definitely spent a lot of time reflecting on (and Laurence learning about as a non-American) slavery, the Civil War, and civil rights as we made our way through several states in the South during our road trip in January/February. ~ Jessica

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of replies to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

Oak Alley Plantation Tickets, Tours and Reviews

This post is a review of Oak Alley Plantation near New Orleans, with information on how to get tickets, what tours are available, what you will see there, and an analysis of online reviews. 

• Directions, Hours + Tickets
• Plantation Highlights
• Reviews of Oak Alley
• Tours to Oak Alley
• Other Plantation Tours

Oak Alley Plantation is often thought of as the most iconic plantation in Louisiana.

With its massive, 300-year-old Live Oak trees, well-preserved mansion, and close proximity to New Orleans, Oak Alley has become a must-do for many travelers to the Big Easy.  

Be sure to read our post that compares Oak Alley with other plantations near New Orleans .

DIRECTIONS, HOURS, AND TICKETS 

How to Get Here

There is no public transportation to Oak Alley. If you have a car, we recommend using this link for directions to Oak Ally Plantation . 

Oak Alley Plantation is located on the banks of the Mississippi River approximately 1 hour west by car from New Orleans in Vacherie, LA, along the famed River Road. 

Guests without a car must either rent one or go with a tour company .  

Expect to pay around $70 for the trip, which includes transportation and the cost of admission to the plantation.

Costs are usually lower for children depending on each individual tour company.

The plantation is open every day except New Year's Day, Mardi Gras Tuesday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

• Open daily, 8:30am-5pm

Last admissions sold at 4pm. Please allow a minimum of 2 hours to explore.

Tickets can be purchased upon arrival at the plantation, but advance reservations are highly recommended.

Prices (not including tax):

• $30 - Adults (18 yrs & older)
• $10 - Youth (6 to 17 yrs old)
• Free - 5 yrs & younger
• Deals offered with ID:  AAA, Military, Senior 65+

Site without “Big House” exhibit

• $27 - Adults (18 yrs & older)
• $9 - Youth (6 to 17 yrs old)
• Free- Toddlers ( 0-5 years)
• Deals offered with ID:  AAA, Military, Senior 65+,

PLANTATION HIGHLIGHTS

The "Big House"

Tours of this mansion (house tour) run every half hour and are included in the cost of admission.

Historic Interpreters and take groups through the many different rooms of the home, all the while sharing stories of how the property developed, why it eventually declined, and where it stands today.

A majority of guests who visit the plantation house are very impressed with their experience.

Several reviewers enjoyed both the beauty and the history behind this building, making sure to take several pictures during their trip.

There are very few negative reviews, and none of them indicated any serious problems with the tour. Couples were the most likely to enjoy this guided walk around the house.

The row of (nearly) 200-year-old live oak trees is what differentiates Oak Alley from other southern plantations.

The impressive Allee of oaks was created using enslaved labor.

The mansion's balcony offers a great view and photo opportunity, though nothing emphasizes the true magnitude of the trees like a picture of someone standing next to one of them!

Several guests visit Oak Alley just to see the beautiful trees. Reviewers claim that this plantation features oak trees larger than cars!

Some visitors felt that the pictures of this location simply didn't do it justice. Even customers who didn't enjoy their visit were taken aback by the size and grandeur of these Oaks.

Couples, families, and those who brought a friend for the trip were most likely to leave a positive remark about the foliage.

Slavery at Oak Alley Exhibit

One of the newer exhibits on the property, "Slavery at Oak Alley" features 6 reconstructed cottages that tell the story of the enslaved people who resided at the plantation.

Some days Site Interpreters provide dialogue about the enslaved community, starting a conversation about the difficult history of this plantation. Days when a site interpreter is not available, visitors can explore the exhibit, in their own time.

On average, there were just over 100 slaves at any time on Oak Alley Plantation.

Although this journey may not be for everyone, most visitors feel that it is important to experience.

A few guests were disappointed with the level of detail that they put into this interpretation of the plantation lifestyle, but this wasn't a common complaint.

In fact, an overwhelming majority of reviews for this exhibit are absolutely stellar. Couples were the most likely to appreciate this tour.

There is a gift shop where you could purchase souvenirs from Oak Alley plantation as well as the Louisiana plantation region and New Orleans.

REVIEWS OF OAK ALLEY PLANTATION OVERALL

Oak Alley Plantation currently has a 4 ½ star rating on TripAdvisor.

A very small percentage of reviews for this historic location is negative, indicating that most visitors absolutely love exploring the grounds.

As a matter of fact, some guests felt that it was quite easy to spend several hours discovering Oak Alley.

Thousands of positive comments recommend a visit to this estate. By and large, couples were the most likely to enjoy their trip.

Reviews for the tours described above are generally very favorable.

Although they have received some negative comments, most visitors have a wonderful time exploring Oak Alley Plantation with the help of a tour guide.

Several guests indicated that their docent was very knowledgeable, providing a lot of valuable information about the mansion and its history.

Customers were most likely to leave a glowing review after taking one of these plantation tours with either their family, friends, or significant others.

Read some of the reviews here .

OAK ALLEY PLANTATION TOURS

In addition to tours offered at the plantation, there are also a few companies that offer day trips to Oak Alley by shuttle bus.

These trips typically last for approximately 5-6 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the grounds.

This is a perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to avoid driving to and from the area, allowing them to just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Ticket prices typically fall in the $70 range (less for children). Most offer hotel pickup and dropoff.

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

Cajun Pride Tours

This very highly rated tour departs at 12:30 pm and runs between 5-6 hours. Unlike Gray Line, Cajun Pride offers hotel pick-up for their customers.

Another advantage of this service is that it's more affordable than the other options on our list, so if you're looking for a less expensive outing, this is definitely one of the better choices for a visit to Oak Alley.

The lone drawback for some will be the midday departure.

• Adults | $62 
• Children (3-12) | $40

NOTE: This tour is not currently available as of March 2024.

Cajun Encounters  Oak Alley Plantation Tour

This tour departs earlier than the other two companies and provides hotel pick-up.

Departure time is between 9:00 am-9:30 am (depending on your pick-up location). The duration of the tour is approximately 7 hours (including travel time).

Although they have received some negative reviews, it's worth noting that they do provide hotel pick-up.

Unlike their competitors, they offer a tour that starts in the morning, which may be preferable for some people.

• Adults | $67.75
• Children (4-11) | $50.75
• Infants (0-3) | Free

Louisiana Tour Company

If you're looking for an Oak Alley tour that departs early in the morning and runs for at least 5 hours, this is an excellent option.

With departures starting at 8:15 am, you can get a nice, early start and see the plantation before most other visitors arrive.

This outing lasts for approximately 5 ½ hours, which means you'll be back in New Orleans in time for a late lunch!

• Adults | $67
• Children (4-12) | $40

Gray Line Tours

This trip is offered twice daily with departures at 12 pm and 1 pm. The tour is about 5 hours in total (including travel time).

Gray Line has very good reviews in New Orleans, and most guests who took this particular tour were very impressed.

• Adults | $69
• Children (6-12) | $35 

For more information on visiting other plantations with a tour company, check out our post covering New Orleans Plantation Tours .

HISTORY  

The incredible Live Oaks that welcome guests to the mansion and give the property its name were planted between 1725-1750, though why they were planted and by whom remains a mystery.

Valcour Aime, a prominent sugarcane farmer, purchased the land in 1830 and established a community of enslaved people to care for the plantation.

A few years later Aime traded the plantation with his brother-in-law Jacques Telesphore Roman who would eventually build the mansion that sits on the property today. 

The mansion was completed in 1837 and was built entirely by slave labor.

There was a large enslaved community that lived on the property throughout the antebellum period.

One of the most famous enslaved men to reside there was Antoine, who gained great recognition for grafting "paper shell" pecan trees.

The Roman family continued to live at Oak Alley until just after the Civil War when it was sold at auction due to the high cost of maintaining it.

The plantation was not damaged during the war but quickly fell into disrepair.

Oak Alley relied heavily on slave labor, and with the ratification of the 13th Amendment, it became impossible for the plantation to continue operating as it originally did.

In 1925,  Andrew Stewart purchased the property as a gift for his wife Josephine. Together, the Stewarts initiated a restoration project that would span the rest of their lives.

In 1966, a few years before her death and decades after her husband's, Josephine established a non-profit foundation to preserve the home and 25 acres of the grounds. Josephine Stewart passed away in 1972.  

As the longest resident of Oak Alley and in honor of her memory, all the clocks in the mansion are stopped at 7:30, the time of Josephine's death. Both she and her husband are buried on the property.

In 1978 Oak Alley became officially designated as a National Historic Landmark and is run by the Oak Alley Foundation, a non-profit organization.

Ghosts at Oak Alley Plantation 

As with most antebellum plantations of the South, Oak Alley is rumored to be home to some spiritual activity.

Of course, there is great debate as to how much truth is behind these tales, but a few of the more well-supported stories include:

• A woman who very much resembles Mrs. Stewart, the last private owner of the property, has been seen looking out the window of the mansion's lavender room after dark.
• The sound of a horse-drawn carriage and the whirl of dust being kicked up by some sort of presence, both of which were unaccompanied by a material explanation.
• A candlestick flew across the room in front of a tour guide and 35 guests.
• Empty chairs rock in unison.

Movies, TV Shows, and Music Videos Filmed at Oak Valley Plantation

• Midnight Bayou
• Ghost Hunters
• Primary Colors
• Interview with a Vampire
• Beyoncé's Déjà Vu  Music Video

Related Posts:

• New Orleans Plantations
• Swamp Tours
• Things to Do in New Orleans

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

Sarah Hester

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Explore The Past With This Guide To An Oak Alley Plantation Tour

If you’re planning an Oak Ally Plantation Tour, I have you covered. This beautiful Deep South Plantation was long on my bucket list and it is a truly worthwhile destination for anyone who wants to experience an iconic Southern plantation.

What makes this stately Greek Revival mansion so unique and photographable is the quarter-mile-long tunnel of live oak limbs that provides a view that is unforgettable for both its grandeur and beauty.

Whether you’re sightseeing in your own car, or need to find an Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans, I have you covered in this post.

Come along as I tell you everything you need to know about taking an Oak Alley Plantation Tour in Vacherie, Louisiana.

Past Lane Travels contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these links, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. Read our disclaimer for more information.

Table of Contents

Don’t miss my other posts on Old Houses and Southern Plantations .

What Makes An Oak Alley Plantation Tour So Special?

You can truly experience a bygone era and learn about American history when you take an Oak Alley Plantation Tour in Louisiana.

Built in 1839, Oak Alley is the most photographed plantation ever—and you will see the reason why the minute you drive up the lane.

There are giant live oaks throughout the property, but the most impressive (and photographed) vista is the twenty-eight oaks that line the 800-foot “alley” (or allée ) to the Mississippi River.

The McLeod Plantation Historic Site in Charleston, S.C., also has a beautiful oak alley worth seeing.

For a unique plantation story, read about the African queen at Kingsley Plantation in Jacksonville, Fl.

Words cannot adequately describe the impressive trees that, even in the 18th and 19th centuries, were regarded as a display of affluence and “established” wealth.

The trees served another purpose as well. The tunnel formed by their sweeping branches helped direct cooling breezes from the Mississippi River toward the plantation house to reduce the intense heat of Louisiana’s summers.

Related Post: Women Lead The Way At Laura Plantation LA

Oak Alley Plantation House History

The  Bon Séjour  plantation, as Oak Alley was originally named, was first purchased by the French Creole Valcour Aime in 1830 to grow sugarcane. Aime, known as the “King of Sugar,” was one of the wealthiest men in the South.

In 1836, Aime exchanged this piece of property with his brother-in-law JT Roman, who wanted to build an impressive house for his bride.

The elegant Greek Revival mansion was not completed until 1839.  Bricks were made on-site, but slate for the roof, glass for the window and marble had to be shipped in by steamboat.

It was an extremely laborious and time-consuming endeavor, accomplished entirely with slave labor. You can learn about that part of the plantation’s history during an Oak Alley Plantation tour.

Oak Alley is definitely one of the grandest plantations in the South, but another unique historical site is the Bulow Plantation Ruins, a sugar plantation in Florida that was burned by the Seminoles in the 1830s.

The overall architecture of the house mimics details of an ancient Greek temple, although it is obvious that New Orleans’ weather also influenced its construction.

Sixteen-inch thick brick walls lathed with plaster helped to keep the hot sultry air of summer out and the cool air within.

The palatial home’s most distinguishing architectural feature is a colonnade of 28 colossal Doric columns. (Which, by the way, matches the number of oak trees that line the alley).

Iconic photos of the plantation illustrate the grand columns, but seeing the massive size up close reveals what a marvel each one is.

The house itself is set back from the great columns to create a double gallery. The galleries are wide enough that the hot rays of the sun and even lashing rains would not be a problem.

Doors and windows could therefore be left open for ventilation.

Horticulture at Oak Alley Plantation In Louisiana

Strangely enough, one of the most important historic events to occur at Oak Alley Plantation was in the category of horticulture.

In the winter of 1846-47, a slave gardener at Oak Alley named Antoine, successfully grafted pecan trees. His work resulted in the first named variety, Centennial, and the first commercial pecan orchard at nearby Anita Plantation.

Sadly, although strict instructions were left in Jacques’ will to never remove the trees, the wish was disregarded and no originals remain.

The 1,360-acre plantation survived the Civil War without great physical damage, but did not fare so well afterward. With the economic changes and dislocations, farming was no longer viable. The property sold at auction in 1866 for $32,800.

Successive owners could not afford the cost of upkeep, and by the 1920s the buildings had fallen into disrepair.

In 1925, Scottish cotton broker Andrew Stewart purchased the property as a gift for his wife Josephine. She would go on to oversee the restoration and hired architect Richard Koch to restore and modernize the house, adding indoor plumbing and electricity.

The Stewarts used the plantation as a cattle ranch until the 1960s and upon Josephine’s death in 1972, the home was transferred to the Oak Alley Foundation to be opened to the public.

As a side note, all of the clocks in the mansion are stopped at 7:30, marking the death of Mrs. Stewart, who was the longest resident of Oak Alley.

The main house is fully restored, and the Foundation continues to do restoration work on the slave quarters, the historic gardens, and other buildings.

Other exhibits include a working blacksmith shop, a reconstruction of a Civil War era officers field tent, and an exhibit on sugarcane that includes a short film.

Nature’s Blessing: The Trees At Oak Alley

Most documentation about the massive trees at Oak Alley in Louisiana says they were planted in the early 1700s by an unknown French settler, who eventually left the site. (Although some recent research shows that mature live oaks were moved and planted there in the 1800s).

Live oaks (and all oaks) are known for their strength and resiliency, and it’s interesting to note that every one of the original trees planted at Oak Alley still stands.

Unlike other earthly inhabitants, the great oaks seemingly grow more spectacular with age, their intertwining limbs joining to create a scenic walkway that  is part enchanted forest overhead—and part gnarled, knobby bark and roots, below.

For more than two centuries now the mighty trees have provided shelter to the house along the Mississippi, enduring the effects of hurricanes, floods, droughts and war.

Trunks that measure 29 feet around bear the scars of their age, but the evergreen canopy above reveals no trace of the passage of time.

The trees now rise to a height of 60 to 80 feet with spreads as much as 130 feet. Their carefully planned north-south alignment produces a dramatic side-lighting effect both early and late in the day.

This vivid interplay between shadow and light is as much a work of art as the mammoth, yet graceful, limbs that hang as silent witness to centuries of Louisiana history.

Highlights Of An Oak Alley Plantation Tour

Oak alley mansion tour.

The Mansion Tour is great for getting additional information from period-dressed guides who point out original pieces and artifacts, and tell fascinating stories about the home and its history. Tours are given on the hour and half hour, generally lasting 35 to 40 minutes . ( See below for pricing ).

The Alley Of Oaks

The Alley of Oaks is what Oak Alley Plantation is known for, and you don’t want to miss walking the length of this beautiful tunnel created by Mother Nature. At the end of the Alley is a road, and on the other side of the road is a levee. Beyond that levee rolls the great Mississippi River.

The course of the river has changed, but there was a time when the plantation house could be seen from the river.

The Slave Quarters

Just as important to the story of Oak Alley as the main house is the slave quarters. These are not original, but the reconstructed buildings show the approximate size and type of dwelling the enslaved people at Oak Alley lived in.

It is believed there were 20 cabins with 40 living spaces with each space holding one family of from two to five people.

Don’t Miss The Gardens At Oak Alley Plantation

The entire property is like a giant garden to me, but there are two distinct gardens as well, each representing different periods in Oak Alley Plantation’s Louisiana history.

Enjoy walking through beautiful Southern gardens? Read The Splendor of Middleton Place

The West Garden is inspired by the Antebellum period and the East Garden represents the Stewart’s contribution to the property.

Other Exhibits at Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana

There is a Civil War Interpretive Exhibit and Blacksmith Shop that allows visitors to take a step back in time and see what life was like in the early days of Oak Alley Plantation.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour Tickets

The general ticket prices include access to the historic site and ALL exhibits including the “Big House.”

PLEASE NOTE : For the Historic Site with “Big House” Exhibit, tickets are based on capacity and are therefore limited.

You can schedule your visit time and purchase your Oak Alley Plantation Tour Tickets Here .

Advanced reservations are encouraged to secure your ticket for the “Big House” exhibit before they sell out. To tour Oak Alley Plantation without “Big House” Exhibit, there is no maximum limit.

Visitors may arrive as early as 8:30 am to purchase admissions but all admissions must be purchased by 4 pm on the day of the visit.

Please allow a minimum of 1 hour drive if coming from New Orleans or Baton Rouge. The Oak Alley Plantation website provides maps and directions from both cities.

Oak Alley does not require proof of vaccination or negative PCR test to visit at this time.

Pets are not permitted.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour With Transportation From New Orleans

Because it lies roughly an hour’s drive to the west of New Orleans, Oak Alley Plantation makes a perfect day trip tour from the Big Easy.

There are a number of Oak Alley Plantation Tours that leave from New Orleans, including touring a second plantation the same day or touring Oak Alley and taking a swamp tour as well.

Oak Alley Plantation Tour with Transportation from New Orleans

other popular New Orleans Plantation Tours

Oak Alley and Laura Plantation Tours with transportation from New Orleans

Small Group Airboat and Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

Small Group Full-Day Plantations Tour with Gourmet Lunch from New Orleans

Where To Eat at Oak Alley Plantation

If you want to eat on the grounds of Oak Alley, you’re in luck! They have a restaurant that is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for breakfast and lunch.

It’s housed in a 19th century cottage located on the grounds of the plantation. They serve a wonderful selection of traditional Cajun and Creole dishes.

I highly recommend that you try a Mint Julep! They are available at the Plantation Café that also offers sandwiches, wraps, snacks, ice cream, coffee and drinks from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Stay At Oak Alley Plantation

Unknown to me when I visited Oak Alley, the plantation has several cottages — both modern and historic — where you can spend the night. (A return trip to Louisiana is absolutely on my bucket list now).

I did spend the night in a cabin at the nearby Nottoway Plantation and it was one of the most memorable stays in my traveling career.

There are currently 9 guest cottages at Oak Alley, a couple of which are 100+ year-old plantation cottages.

Prices for 2 persons currently range from $165/night to $275/night depending on which cottage you rent and all stays include a full country breakfast served at the restaurant.

The cottage prices do not include a Tour ticket which will need to be purchased separately if you want to do the guided Big House tour.

If you want to experience a plantation stay, you can also book accommodations at the Houmas House Plantation.

You can also find a number of hotels close to Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie .

Tips For Your Oak Alley Plantation Tour

• Arrive Early: Not only can you beat the crowds and the heat by arriving early, but the light in the morning and the evening are great for picture-taking.
• Wear comfortable shoes. If you want to see everything, there is a good bit of walking.
• Bring Water. I do this no matter where I go, but especially in the hot, humid South! Stay hydrated.
• Allow at least two hours to see the property. You don’t want to be in a hurry.
• Guide books are available in the gift shop and are great for finding things you may otherwise miss.

Insiders Tip: Click here if you’re looking for other things to do in the New Orleans area, like a luxury bus tour of the city .

Where Is Oak Alley Plantation Located?

Oak Alley is located on the west bank of the Mississippi River in St. James Parish, near Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

3645 Highway 18 (Great River Road) Vacherie, LA 70090

Oak Alley Plantation hours of Operation

• Open Daily:   8:30 am-5:00 pm – All exhibits close at 5pm
• Guided “Big House” tours are offered daily from 9:00 am-4:30pm.  Times are assigned when tickets are purchased.
• Visit Duration:   Minimum 2 hours
• Closed:  New Year’s Day, Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day

What Movies Were Filmed At Oak Alley Plantation?

The iconic façade of Oak Alley has made a popular setting for movies over the years. A few motion pictures that were filmed there include “Interview with a Vampire” and “Primary Colors.” Soap opera lovers will recognize it as the wedding site of Bo and Hope on “Days of our Lives.”

Other Plantations Near Oak Alley in Louisiana

Laura Plantation A sugarcane plantation built in 1805, 12 standing buildings on the National Register.

Houmas House Plantation An 1840 Greek Revival mansion, surrounded by colorful and romantic gardens.

San Francisco Plantation A galleried house in the Creole open suite-style, old Live Oaks and fine antiques.

Whitney and St. Joseph Plantation Tour Louisiana Sugar Cane Plantations small group tour. Take a walk through time as you enjoy a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the many interesting people who called these plantations “Home.”

Destrehan Plantation The oldest documented plantation home in the lower Mississippi Valley.

Author and Travel Blogger

Jessica James is an award-winning historical fiction author and life-long Gettysburg resident who loves sharing her passions for history and travel. She enjoys exploring the back roads of the USA and uncovering stories about unique destinations, cultures and almost-forgotten history.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Join my monthly email! Sign up

What You Need to Know About Inside Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana

Wondering whether to go inside Oak Alley Plantation and do the tour? Here’s what to expect from inside Oak Alley, and what you’ll see when you get there.

The incredible Oak Alley Plantation is in Louisiana – I visited as part of my three-month tour of the USA, where I spent a whole month in the state. Oak Alley offers tours around the grounds, and I’d definitely recommend you visit if ever you’re in the area. Let me show you what to expect from inside Oak Alley, and the Oak Alley Plantation Tour.

The Oak Alley Plantation about an hour’s drive from New Orleans, it’s where Beyonce filmed her Deja Vu video , and, most famously, it was once known as The Bon Séjour Plantation and was home to Valcour Aime, aka the ‘King of Sugar’.

He was a ridiculously wealthy ‘slave owner, sugar planter, philanthropist, and pioneer in the large-scale refining of sugar’ (#Wikipedia).

Now the Oak Alley Plantation is a Natural Historic Landmark and one of the best looking plantations in Plantation Country, as the area is known, thanks to the alley of oak trees leading up to the front door.

Thanks to its beautiful grounds it’s a favourite spot for weddings, but as you walk around you have to remember that Oak Alley was a place where they trapped and kept slaves. Personally, I would not want to get married there.

“Some slaves had been included in the sale when JT Roman purchased the plantation in 1836, others he brought with him from his mother’s plantation, and about 15 were purchased and brought to the plantation between 1836 and 1844. In all, those enslaved at Oak Alley numbered, on average, between 110-120 people. – Oak Alley Plantation

Inside Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana

Seeing as Cailin (TravelYourself) and I were in the area we went along to check it out, and to stay over in one of the little cottages out the front. Oak Alley has so much scary history, I totally freaked myself out before bed, even though not a single thing actually gave me reason to.

My mind is way too over active.

Oak Alley photography

Thanks to us actually staying in the grounds, in our cottage, we were allowed to roam the around as we liked before the tourists rocked up at 9am. I’d definitely recommend doing this if you’re into your photography as you’ve got no chance of a person-free shot later in the day.

This place gets busy .

The Oak Alley tour

We joined the Oak Alley Plantation tour ($20) to learn more about the mansion and grounds.

One of the lessons that sticks out most in my mind is that in those days they’d give you a pineapple to welcome you when you arrived, and then when they wanted you to go, they’d leave another one on your bed. So now I do that with all my guests too.

Juuuuust joking.

I don’t have guests.

You can book a New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation & Swamp Cruise Day Trip with GetYourGuide which will introduce you to the highlights of the house, and the surrounding area. Join the tour and you’ll…

• Enjoy a narrated ride across the swamps and take in the unique scenery
• See alligators, turtles, and water birds in their natural habitat
• Discover the plantations and bayous of New Orleans with a guide
• Visit the historic Oak Alley Plantation and learn about it
• Learn about local Cajun and Creole history on a boat tour through the swamps

Check out the price of the Oak Alley Plantation tour here.

We were taken round the bedrooms, the lounges, hallways and eating areas. Another one of my favourite things was the fly swatter you see above the table there – some poor guy would be on the end of the rope you see in the corner of the room, pulling it back and forth so the rich folk didn’t get any flies in their soup.

There’s a little mint julep booth on site so you can drink them as you walk around the house and the slave workhouses and gardens outside. This felt kind of wrong, given the dark, dark history, but I guess it’s all in keeping with the traditions of the time.

I loved the way the tour guides were dressed up to show off what people would’ve been wearing back then.

There was also an extensive exhibition outside, showing visitors the conditions the slaves had to endure.

“Today, the history of Oak Alley’s enslaved men, women and children take the shape of a permanent exhibit. Located on the historic grounds, almost exactly where the original community stood, 6 reconstructed cabins give insight into their lives and habits. 4 of the Cabins depict a type of dwelling–a field slave’s quarters, a house slave’s quarters, a sick house and a post-emancipation residence. 2 have been converted to exhibit spaces, inviting visitors to understand slave life on a more personal level. Displays here focus on religion, punishment, how slaves at Oak Alley were clothed, and the work that consumed their daily lives.” – Oak Alley Plantation

That oh so American proposal at Oak Alley

We were lucky enough to be there on a day when one staff member was elaborately asking another staff member to prom. I honestly got so excited to be a part of it. Well, to watch it.

We were with him on the outside of the balcony doors and she was inside with a group – as she came out he had a card held up saying ‘Will you go to prom with me?’, or similar, and she was crying as she came through and he held up the roses. She said yes. So cute. So American.

All played out over the balcony that looks out onto the incredible drive. Why didn’t I get that when I was 17?

Sleeping inside Oak Alley

Apart from freaking myself out about what may or may not have happened in my room thanks to the days when treating people worse than dogs based on the colour of their skin was normal, I really enjoyed staying over at Oak Alley.

We had a room each, a big kitchen and a nice lounge.

We spent the evening chilling in our lounge watching some super American film, possibly Mean Girls, and eating the bowl of true Louisiana-style chicken gumbo followed up by bread pudding that they’d left for us. It was delicious.

Stay over at Oak Alley Plantation and you get to enjoy breakfast at the restaurant too. I had some Étouffée, another one of Louisiana’s traditional dishes you need to try if you visit.

If you don’t want to stay over, make sure to visit the restaurant for lunch instead. Rude not to when it’s there. And don’t leave without checking out the little shop either.

How to get to Oak Alley Plantation

We were on a week-long tour of Louisiana after I’d spent three weeks enjoying all the food experiences in New Orleans , and all the cheap things to do in NOLA too, checking out a few spots, so we drove there in our hire car. It’s only an hour from New Orleans.

Alternatively there are loads of tours from New Orleans that’ll take you right there. Or, you can get a steam boat, or even cycle, all the way from New Orleans to just outside the plantation.

Need some accommodation in New Orleans?

Check out my reviews of the top hostels I stayed in, in NOLA.

Exploring Plantation Country

There are so many plantations in the area but Oak Alley is probably the most famous, thanks to how grand it is and its use in popular culture.

We went to two other plantations in the area – the Houma Plantation (above) and the Nottoway Plantation (below). We didn’t take tours in either, but had a little look around the grounds.

Depending on your interest in slave history and / or horticulture, you could spend a week going round all the plantations in the area and staying at them. I think two nights would be perfect though.

Getting to stay inside Oak Alley Plantation was one of the highlights of my Louisiana trip, along with experiencing the St Augustine’s Church on a Sunday in New Orleans that is. I’d also recommend going to visit the Bayou Rum Distillery too – some great rum to enjoy there!

I stayed at the Oak Alley Plantation thanks to the New Orleans CVB & Louisiana Office of Tourism. All thoughts and experiences my own, obviously.

Have you seen my New Orleans video?

Subscribe to VickyFlipFlop on YouTub e

Related Posts:

• 8 Coolest Stops on an Austin to New Orleans Road Trip
• What to Expect from a Bayou Rum Distillery Tour…
• Planning a Road Trip in the USA: 13 Best Routes!
• 14 Awesome Stops on a Chicago to New Orleans Road Trip
• 18 Best Souvenirs from New Orleans to Remember Your Trip
• How to Spend One Day in Seoul: 10 Best Things to Do

Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

Oak Alley is such a wonderful plantation to visit!! I enjoyed your post about the plantations and you described the tour perfectly. I’d love the opportunity to work with you if you find yourself in Louisiana again.

Great post on Oak Alley!! Definitely making me want to visit again.

Such a cool house isn’t it? Can’t believe I didn’t get a photo of me near it though – think it was during a time I was obsessed with Snapchat so I presume it was all on there.

This place looks great! So much history and the surroundings are beautiful.

My fave bit of your review though is: So now I do that with all my guests too.

I don’t have guests.

Ha, it’s true! Unfortunately :). Glad you enjoyed it Nicole!

What an interesting and historical place. Love how all the guides were dressed up in old costumes – bet it makes the tour feel more authentic and worth the money too. Great pics as well 🙂

http://www.scrapbookadventures.co.uk/

Yeah definitely – just helped you to imagine what it was like a little bit more. It was a really interesting day!

What a stunning place! Perfect location for taking photographs and it look like you had a great time. I often wish I lived in olden times, haha!

Yeah, I’m not sure why I didn’t take any photos of me though! I think it was when I was obsessed with Snapchat so kinda forgot 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign me up for the newsletter!

Today Only: Special Rates on Bayou Tours! Call to Book

Oak Alley Plantation in Louisiana

• April 24, 2024
• No Comments

Nestled in the heart of Vacherie, Louisiana, Oak Alley Plantation is a window to the past, offering a vivid portrayal of the antebellum South.

With its stunning Greek Revival architecture and the iconic avenue of ancient oaks, it provides a unique blend of historical insight and architectural splendor.

This plantation is not only a symbol of the region’s history but also a testament to the complex legacy of slavery and the opulence of plantation life.

Visitors today can immerse themselves in the plantation’s history, appreciate its beauty, and learn about its restoration and cultural significance.

Table of Contents

Historical Significance of Oak Alley Plantation

The Antebellum South and Oak Alley

Oak Alley Plantation stands as a testament to the grandeur and complexity of the Antebellum South. Renowned for its breathtaking oak-lined avenue, the estate encapsulates the era’s opulence and its underlying social realities. Built in 1837, the plantation’s Greek Revival architecture and the iconic 28 oak trees create a scene reminiscent of classic Southern romance.

Visitors to Oak Alley can immerse themselves in the history that shaped Louisiana and the broader Southern United States. The plantation’s well-preserved structures and grounds offer a window into a bygone era, marked by both beauty and controversy. The experience is not just visual; it’s a multi-sensory journey through the past.

Oak Alley’s allure extends beyond its physical beauty, inviting guests to reflect on the narratives that have woven the fabric of Southern history.

The plantation’s significance is further highlighted by its role in educating the public about the history of slavery. The slave quarters stand as a stark reminder of the lives that sustained these estates, providing a poignant counterpoint to the grandeur of the main house.

Slave Quarters and the History of Slavery

The slave quarters at Oak Alley Plantation stand as a somber reminder of the lives of those who were enslaved on the estate. Visitors can explore these quarters , which have been preserved to reflect the conditions and experiences of the plantation’s enslaved population. The site offers educational exhibits that provide context and narrative to the history of slavery in the region.

The plantation’s history is marked by the presence of both “field slaves” and “house slaves,” with an average enslaved population of 110 to 120 individuals. This distinction highlights the varied and complex social hierarchy that existed within the plantation system.

The exploration of the slave quarters and educational exhibits at Oak Alley Plantation offers a poignant and necessary look into the past, fostering a deeper understanding of the historical impact of slavery.

While the beauty of the plantation and its iconic oaks often captures the attention of visitors, it is essential to acknowledge and learn from the plantation’s full history, including the lives of those who were enslaved there.

The Roman Family Legacy

The Roman family’s tenure at Oak Alley Plantation is a testament to the opulence and grandeur of the Antebellum South. Their influence is evident in the meticulous care and attention to detail found throughout the estate. The Romans were known for their lavish lifestyle and their commitment to maintaining the plantation’s status as a social and agricultural hub.

The family’s legacy includes significant contributions to the agricultural development of the region, particularly in the cultivation of sugarcane. Their innovative practices and business acumen helped to shape the economic landscape of Louisiana during their time.

The Roman family’s impact on Oak Alley went beyond agriculture; they were also patrons of the arts and culture, hosting numerous social events that added to the plantation’s storied history.

While the Roman family’s time at Oak Alley is a chapter of affluence and influence, it is also a reminder of the complex history of the South, intertwined with the stories of those who lived and worked on the plantation under very different circumstances.

Architectural Marvel of the Antebellum Era

Greek Revival Architecture and Design

The Greek Revival architecture of Oak Alley Plantation is a testament to the grandeur of the antebellum South. Constructed in the early 19th century, the main house is celebrated for its symmetrical proportions and stately columns, which evoke a sense of timeless elegance. The intricate detailing of the mansion’s design is highlighted during guided tours, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the era’s architectural preferences.

The restoration efforts in 1925 have ensured that the mansion remains a pristine example of this architectural style, allowing guests to appreciate the craftsmanship that has stood the test of time.

The influence of Oak Alley’s design extends beyond its own grounds. It has served as an inspiration for other significant structures, such as the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion. The plantation’s architectural significance is further underscored by its selection as a backdrop in various films, showcasing the enduring appeal of its design and the picturesque oak-lined avenue that leads to its doors.

Restoration and Preservation Efforts

The restoration and preservation of Oak Alley Plantation are critical to maintaining its historical integrity and architectural grandeur. Efforts to preserve the plantation have been ongoing, ensuring that each visitor can experience the site as it once was. The meticulous work includes the careful restoration of the main house, the iconic oak-lined avenue, and the surrounding structures, such as the slave quarters and outbuildings.

Key to the preservation process is the use of traditional materials and techniques. This approach not only honors the original craftsmanship but also provides educational opportunities for those interested in historical construction methods. The plantation’s commitment to conservation extends beyond the built environment, as seen in the broader New Orleans swamps preservation efforts, which focus on biodiversity and economic impact.

The plantation’s preservation initiatives serve as a testament to the importance of safeguarding our cultural heritage.

Visitors today can appreciate the fruits of these laborious efforts through various exhibits and tours that highlight the plantation’s storied past and architectural significance. The ongoing dedication to preservation ensures that Oak Alley remains a tangible connection to the Antebellum South for future generations.

The Iconic Oak-Lined Avenue

At the heart of Oak Alley Plantation is the iconic quarter-mile canopy of 300-year-old live oak trees. These towering giants, draped in Spanish moss, create an enchanting ambiance, inviting guests to step back in time to an era of Southern charm and hospitality.

One cannot help but be in awe of the 28 evenly spaced, huge Oak Trees that lead from the river road to the Plantation House. This majestic pathway is not only a testament to the plantation’s beauty but also to its historical significance, having witnessed centuries of history.

The oak-lined avenue is more than just a pathway; it’s a journey through the rich tapestry of Southern history and culture.

In addition to its cultural significance, Oak Alley has been a favored backdrop in the entertainment industry, featured in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials. Its timeless beauty and historical allure continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Experiencing Oak Alley Plantation Today

Guided Tours in Period Costume

Stepping back in time, visitors to Oak Alley Plantation can immerse themselves in the history and ambiance of the Antebellum South through guided tours led by guides in authentic period costume. These tours not only provide a visual treat but also offer a narrative that brings to life the stories of the plantation’s past. The experience is enhanced by the guides’ detailed knowledge and their attire, which reflects the period’s fashion.

During the tour, guests will spend approximately 35 minutes exploring the grandeur of the plantation home, followed by the opportunity to self-explore the grounds. The shaded avenues and the tranquil surroundings offer a peaceful retreat, allowing visitors to contemplate the plantation’s history at their own pace.

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the journey through time. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended to make the most of the experience.

For those interested in extending their visit, additional amenities such as dining at the plantation’s restaurant or browsing the gift shop are available. The restaurant offers a view of the plantation, and guests can enjoy a meal without the need for a tour ticket. Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:

• Duration of guided house tour: 35 minutes
• Self-exploration time: Variable
• Amenities: Restaurant, gift shop
• Accessibility: Suitable for all fitness levels
• Recommendations: Wear comfortable shoes

Remember to allocate your time wisely to enjoy both the guided tour and the serene beauty of the plantation’s grounds.

You can also visit the Bayou Swamp Tours in Louisiana, an amazing experience for families and solo travelers.

You will be able to see alligators and many other amazing creatures in real life!

Cultural Events and Southern Hospitality

Oak Alley Plantation is not just a window into the past; it’s a vibrant cultural hub that celebrates the rich tapestry of Southern traditions. Visitors can immerse themselves in the spirit of the South through a variety of events that showcase the region’s heritage. Traditional Creole cooking demonstrations offer a taste of local flavors, while music performances fill the air with the soulful sounds of Louisiana.

The plantation’s signature mint julep, a refreshing concoction synonymous with Southern hospitality, is a must-try for guests. Served on the veranda, this beloved beverage allows visitors to relax and savor the moment against the backdrop of the stunning estate. The experience of sipping a mint julep while overlooking the grounds is a cherished ritual for many who come to Oak Alley.

Oak Alley Plantation remains a testament to the enduring allure of the Antebellum South, inviting guests to partake in its storied traditions and genteel way of life.

The plantation also serves as a picturesque venue for group travel events, offering a unique setting that is both historical and heartwarming. Whether it’s the convivial atmosphere of a Southern soirée or the tranquil beauty of the gardens, Oak Alley provides the perfect setting for creating lasting memories.

Visitor Information and Amenities

Planning Your Visit

When planning your visit to the Oak Alley Plantation, it’s essential to consider the various aspects that will make your trip memorable and hassle-free. Here’s a quick guide to help you organize your visit:

• Check the opening hours: The plantation is open from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Ensure your arrival allows enough time to enjoy the grounds and the guided house tour, which lasts about 35 minutes.
• Dining options: You can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant without purchasing a ticket, offering a view of the plantation and a few slave cabins. Alternatively, grab a sandwich at the gift shop for a quick lunch.
• Tour duration: Allocate at least 2 hours for your visit to have ample time to explore the grounds after the house tour.

Remember, using your time wisely will allow you to fully experience the beauty and history of Oak Alley Plantation.

For those looking to delve deeper into the history of the River Region, consider extending your stay. You can spend the night, or even several nights, to explore other historic plantations and the swamps nearby.

Dining and Shopping at the Plantation

After exploring the rich history and stunning architecture of Oak Alley Plantation, visitors can enjoy the delightful culinary offerings and unique shopping experiences available on the grounds. The Plantation Restaurant serves up traditional Southern dishes, allowing guests to savor flavors that are as authentic as the surroundings. The veranda offers a scenic dining experience, complete with the plantation’s signature mint julep.

For those looking to take a piece of Oak Alley home, the souvenir shop is stocked with a variety of keepsakes and handcrafted items. Adjacent to it, the blacksmith shop showcases traditional crafts and offers an insight into the historical trades of the era.

Visitors do not need to purchase a tour ticket to access the restaurant or the gift shop, making it a convenient stop for those who wish to simply enjoy the view and the cuisine.

In addition to the regular offerings, special events add to the allure of Oak Alley. An upcoming event at the Plantation Restaurant & Inn includes a live performance and a full Cajun buffet, ensuring an evening of entertainment and indulgence.

• Traditional Creole cooking demonstrations
• Lively music performances
• Signature mint julep on the veranda
• Special events with reserved seating and dining options

Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana, is more than just a picturesque landmark; it is a portal to the past, offering a vivid tableau of Southern history and culture. From the iconic avenue of ancient oaks to the grandeur of the Greek Revival mansion, visitors are transported to an era of antebellum elegance. The plantation’s commitment to preserving its history, including the sobering realities of slavery, provides an educational experience that is both profound and poignant.

Whether it’s the charm of the grounds, the richness of the cultural events, or the allure of its cinematic fame, Oak Alley Plantation stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Deep South. As the sun sets behind the Spanish moss-draped oaks, one cannot help but feel a deep connection to the stories and spirits that echo through this treasured Louisiana landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical significance of oak alley plantation.

Oak Alley Plantation is a testament to the region’s rich history and architectural grandeur, offering a glimpse into the antebellum South. It is known for its breathtaking oak-lined avenue and has been a key location for understanding the history of slavery in Louisiana.

What architectural style is Oak Alley Plantation known for?

Oak Alley Plantation is known for its Greek Revival architecture, featuring symmetrical proportions, stately columns, and intricate detailing. The mansion, built in 1837 and restored in 1925, is a prime example of this architectural style.

Can visitors explore the slave quarters at Oak Alley Plantation?

Yes, visitors can explore the meticulously preserved slave quarters, which provide a deeper understanding of the harsh realities of plantation life and the complex history of slavery in Louisiana.

Are there guided tours available at Oak Alley Plantation?

Yes, Oak Alley Plantation offers guided tours conducted by guides in authentic plantation style apparel. These tours provide insight into the lives of the plantation’s former residents and the history of the estate.

What amenities are available for visitors at Oak Alley Plantation?

Oak Alley Plantation features amenities such as a restaurant, blacksmith shop, and a souvenir shop. There are benches along the paths shaded by oaks, and the plantation offers traditional Creole cooking demonstrations and music performances.

Has Oak Alley Plantation been featured in films or television shows?

Yes, Oak Alley Plantation is a popular filming location and has been featured in numerous movies, television shows, and commercials due to its timeless beauty and historical allure.

You may also like

• 504-370-9117

© 2024 | Bayou Swamp Tours

CHECK CURRENT PRICING

Swamp Boat Cruise & Oak Alley Plantation Tour from New Orleans

7 hours and 45 minutes

This tour combines a visit to a River Road mansion and a cruise through the swamps of south Louisiana.

On our 9am & 11am departures - you'll experience a bygone era in one of the South’s most beautiful settings- Oak Alley Plantation , built in 1839. Marvel at the unbelievable quarter-mile long alley of 28 magnificent Oak trees, each over 250 years old, and view the majestic cypress trees in Louisiana’s swamps bordering the Mississippi River.

We also have a 1pm departure that visits Destrehan Plantation .  Visit our Swamp Boat Ride & Destrehan Planation Tour from New Orleans listing for more details on this 5 1/2 hour option.

Your guided tour will reveal the fascinating stories of the home and its history. Perhaps the most photographed plantation over the years, Oak Alley has been the setting for such motion pictures as Interview with a Vampire, Primary Colors, and the wedding of Bo and Hope from the daytime soap opera, Days of our Lives. On your journey to this historic setting, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Pontchartrain as you cross the Bonnet Carre Spillway (the flood outlet of the Mississippi River).   Travel past Whitney, Evergreen, Felicity & St. Joseph Plantations, ghosts of the past that front the Mississippi River, where rich crops of sugar cane, cotton, and indigo from these fertile lands once traveled to far ports of trade. Experience the following exhibits on 28 historic acres: Slavery at Oak Alley, East and West Gardens, Blacksmith Shop and Sugarcane Theater.  You can purchase lunch, a snack, salad or sandwich in the Plantation Café to enjoy at the picnic tables or aboard the coach.

Note: Due to the plantations home’s historic nature, access to the second floor is by stairs only. No video is allowed inside the plantation home. Walking the grounds is an integral part of this experience.

Includes tour of plantation home, narrated boat cruise, and Motorcoach transportation.

Tour departs daily at 9:00am and 11:00am and 1pm.  Please arrive 15 minutes prior to start time.

What's included?

• Entry or admission fee

Transport by air-conditioned coach

Local guide

Narrated round-trip transportation

Guided tour of Oak Alley Plantation - 9am & 11am Depatures

Guided tour of Destrehan Plantation - 1pm Departure

Swamp Boat Ride thru a private area of the Manchac Swamp

Local Taxes

• Parking fees

Gratuities (optional)

Food and drinks (available to purchase)

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Please note

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• In order to help protect the French Quarter from vehicular traffic, it is requested that you please walk, if possible, to the convenient tour departure point -- just a short stroll from most downtown hotels.
• Alternate Routes: Due to uneven and narrow paths, alternate routes may be necessary for guests traveling in wheelchairs.
• Infant rates apply provided they do not occupy a seat
• You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

What to bring

  contact info, (504) 569-1401, [email protected], gray line new orleans, 400 toulouse st new orleans, la 70130 usa, useful links, let's connect.

• Vacherie Tourism
• Vacherie Vacation Rentals
• Vacherie Photos
• Vacherie Map
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Do you have to purchase the tours or can you just...

• United States    
• Louisiana (LA)    
• Vacherie    
• Things to Do in Vacherie    
• Oak Alley Plantation

Oak Alley Plantation Questions & Answers

Do you have to purchase the tours or can you just view the oak alleys in the back??? Can we just pay an admission fee seperate?? Not really interested in the tours.

As a fellow employee of Oak Alley Plantation, I would like to clear up some questions in the comments.

In order to walk the grounds, you would have to purchase a general admissions ticket from the ticket booth. However, admission to the gift shop, cafe, bar, and restaurant is completely free. There is a designated parking lot for the restaurant in the back.

If you do not wish to purchase a ticket, there is a parking lot a couple of seconds down the road from the entrance of the plantation. You are able to park your car there and walk the levee to the front of the plantation home. This provides a wonderful view of the oaks.

As a warning, please do not park on the shoulder of the road. This is for your safety as the road is very narrow and most people do not drive slowly.

Also, we do allow guests to take picture inside the house. The tour of the house includes viewing of the first and second floors. The third floor, which is not included in the tour, is used as a changing room for the tour guides and is not completely finished.

These plantations are not cheap for a family and too bad they do not offer a ticket that is good for a day to visit as many as you can. We did not do them because of the costs involved.

As I remember, they won't let you go beyond the parking lot without a ticket. Which means you cannot enjoy the restaurant or the gift shop.

Although I didn't check -- there may be a separate ticket for the grounds as opposed to having a tour of the house.

Probably best to give them a call to confirm, as I don't want to lead you astray and certainly want to encourage you to take the time to see this splendid plantation.

How much is the ticket to enter on your own

Not a good angle. You can't stop on the road outside the gates either. It's a narrow road. A few years ago, we tried to drive back and forth on the road to get a good shot at a slow pace, but it didn't work. haha. Have to fork over the cash to get a good view.

Not to sure, we paid for the tour of the place and had a schedule time to go in for the tour of the house but we had like 2 hours to walk around.

The gift shop and restaurant have their own parking lot and doesn't require a ticket. Anything past the gate, just past the restaurant, see sign by gate,requires a ticket. The refurbished slave quarters and grounds require a ticket. Don't bother with the house tour, they dont take you to all floors and no pictures are allowed. Lower your price and just get the grounds ticket.

It's all one price. You pay to go through the gate and then can walk the whole grounds. You don't have to do the tour and you can get some good pictures from the levy across from the plantation but it's worth the money in my opinion.

I drove myself and toured the grounds on my own and at my own pace. With my AAA discount (they also have senior and students discounts), the cost was $19.50.

We had a rental car for the week, so drove out to Oak Alley and the Whitney plantation.

Once you get there, you'll be a part of a tour group with a tour guide. You are also given time after the guided tour to walk around on your own.

BTW, the Whitney tour guide was awesome!!

It's cheaper to drive there yourself . I paid 20.00 and that included the tour

Traveling with senior with limited mobility are there shuttles that take you to different exhibits?

Yes, access to the grounds are free. And Oak Alley Plantation's grounds are lovely. They also have a wonderful cafe on the property, serving breakfast and lunch. (We enjoyed our breakfast there,)

Browse nearby

Ask a question.

Get quick answers from Oak Alley Plantation staff and past visitors.